Assessing and managing patients with leg ulceration and oedema. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Todd, Marie
• Is Part Of: Journal of prescribing practice. Volume 2:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Leg ulcers -- oedema -- venous leg ulcers -- arterial leg ulcers -- superficial leg ulcersx; Drugs -- Prescribing -- Periodicals; Nurse practitioners -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.12968/jprp.2020.2.1.30
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2631-8385

Abstract

Abstract : Leg ulcers are some of the most common wounds treated by the NHS. Ulceration is usually classified as being of venous or arterial origin. Arterial ulcers develop because of reduced arterial flow to the leg caused by peripheral arterial disease. Venous leg ulcers, the most common form, develop because of vein incompetence, with valve failure leading to pressure in the veins. Nurses working with patients with oedema find that chronic oedema can cause the affected limb to swell, causing skin to stretch and break and lead to ulceration. This is known as superficial ulceration. This article discusses the causes, assessment and prescribing practices of these different types of leg ulcer.