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Weymouth Bay Medical Practice
FacebookLeg Ulcer Care
What you need to know: For patients with lower limb wounds and ulcers
Preventing Leg Ulcers
Key facts
- Leg ulcers are slow to heal wounds and are common
- 2% of adults are affected
- Leg ulcers often start with a very small injury to the leg such as being knocked on furniture
- In summer months legs are more often exposed and at risk from injury like catching a branch in the garden
- Leg ulcers can take many months to heal, prevention is key
Are you at risk?
- had a previous leg ulcer
- varicose veins
- diabetes
- poor circulation
- less mobile
- over 60
Top leg care tips
- Keep moving – walk daily & avoid long periods of sitting or standing
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water & keep cool
- Protect your skin – moisturise daily & treat cuts early
- Wear your compression hosiery – follow your nurses’ advice
- Protect your legs – wear comfortable clothing and shoes & avoid injury
Warning signs – Don’t ignore
- Swelling in legs & ankles
- Skin colour changes
- Itchy or hardened skin
- Open wounds or sores
- Pain or heaviness
Early care prevents Leg Ulcers, Hardened Skin, Open wounds or Sores, Pain or Heaviness
Compression Therapy
What is compression therapy?
- Uses special bandages, stockings, or wraps to gently squeeze the leg
- Helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow, which helps to speed up the healing process
- Reduces the risk of conditions such as varicose veins getting worse
- Reduces the risk of ulcers coming back
Why might you need compression?
- Reduces swelling and heaviness in the legs
- Improves blood return to the heart
- Speeds up healing of leg wounds and ulcers
- Helps prevent ulcers from returning
Is compression safe for me?
- Your nurse or doctor will check your circulation before starting
- They’ll make sure compression is right for you
- If your circulation is poor, lighter compression or specialist advice may be needed
- Always report any new pain, coldness, or colour changes in your foot
Types of compression and what to expect
- Compression stockings: secure socks to help blood flow
- Layered bandages: supportive wrappings changed regularly by your nurse
- Adjustable wraps: Velcro-style systems you may tighten yourself
- Your nurse will help choose what’s most comfortable and effective for you
What to expect when compression is applied
- A firm, snug feeling is normal
- If you feel pain, tingling, or numbness, tell your nurse
- Your leg will be checked often to make sure circulation is good
- Compression works best when worn every day
- Use alongside other care like skin moisturising, walking, and leg elevation
What you can do to help
- Keep moving and walk regularly
- Rest legs on a chair or footstool when sitting to help reduce swelling
- Moisturise your skin daily
- Avoid scratching or injuring your skin
- Report any pain, swelling, or colour changes quickly
Possible side effects and when to seek help
- Compression may feel firm but should not hurt
- Tell your nurse if you notice pain, numbness, or cold toes
- Look out for redness, blisters, or new wounds
- If bandages slip or feel too tight, contact your clinic
Duration and follow-up
- Compression is usually needed until the wound heals
- You may need maintenance compression afterwards to stop ulcers returning
- Your nurse will check your progress and adjust treatment as needed
Summary
- Compression helps leg wounds heal faster
- Regular use prevents ulcers from coming back
- Tell your nurse about any discomfort or changes
- Keep active and wear compression as advised
Washing at Home
Why?
- You will spend less time at the surgery.
- You will take part in your own care.
- Keeping your legs clean can help them heal faster.
- Caring for your legs more often can help stop more ulcers forming.
What we will give you
- Gauze
- Saline (Salt Water)
- Dermol 500 (for washing)
- Cream to stop dryness (e.g Aproderm)
- Bags (to line the bucket) if needed
How To Wash Your Legs
- Wet your leg (or legs) with warm water (not too hot). You can do this in the shower or a clean bucket lined with the yellow bags.
- Use the soap (Dermol 500) to wash the leg, going around the sore areas. If dry skin comes off easily, that is okay.
- Dry your legs, feet and in between the toes well. Be gentle, so you don't hurt any sore skin.
- Put water (or saline) on to the gauze. Then place it over sore areas and leave for 5 minutes.
- Take off the gauze. Pat dry gently (with something clean), so it does not become more sore.
- Put cream (e.g Aproderm) on unbroken skin and dry areas such as your heels. Rubbing it in from the knee downwards
- Let the cream soak in to the leg for at least 5 minutes
If you have any questions, just ask the nurse at your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does compression hurt?
Compression should feel snug but not painful. Tell your nurse or clinician straight away if you feel pain, numbness, tingling, or if your toes become cold or pale.
Can I remove my compression bandage or stocking?
Only remove compression if your nurse or clinician has advised you to do so — for example, to bathe or shower. Always reapply it as soon as possible afterwards.
Can I shower or bathe while wearing compression?
Some bandages and wraps are water-resistant, but most need to be removed before bathing. Check with your nurse before getting your dressing or bandage wet.
Can I travel or fly with compression on?
Yes. It’s often more important to wear compression during travel or long periods of sitting or standing to help blood flow.
What should I do if my compression feels too tight or slips down?
Don’t ignore discomfort. Contact your nurse or clinic as soon as possible so the compression can be checked and adjusted safely.
How long will I need compression therapy?
Usually until your wound or ulcer has fully healed. Many people continue with lighter or maintenance compression afterwards to help prevent recurrence.
Can I use moisturiser or creams with compression?
Yes — apply a non-greasy moisturiser (emollient) to unbandaged skin daily. Avoid putting creams under the bandage unless advised by your nurse.
Venous Leg Ulcer
A venous leg ulcer is the most common type of leg ulcer, accounting for more than 60% of all cases.
Venous leg ulcers can develop after a minor injury, if persistently high pressure in the veins of the legs has weakened the skin.
Venous leg ulcers are estimated to affect around 1 in 500 people in the UK, although they become much more common with age.
It's estimated around 1 in 50 people over the age of 80 has one.
Most venous leg ulcers heal within 6 months if they're treated by a healthcare professional trained in compression therapy for leg ulcers.
But some ulcers may take longer to heal, and a very small number never heal.
Treatment usually involves
- cleaning and dressing the wound
- using compression, such as bandages or stockings, to improve the flow of blood in the legs