Venous Ulcers Wound Care Series “My grandma wore a compression bandage everyday when she had a leg ulcer.
What is it? A venous ulcer is a wound that can happen when there is poor return of blood from the legs to the heart.
Although it was uncomfortable, her leg ulcer healed in three weeks.
Who does it affect? • More common among the elderly. • People who have had a recent operation on the leg. • People who have poor blood circulation to the leg veins.
Now, she goes for a walk every day to help improve her blood circulation. We bought her a stool so she can put her feet up while watching television.”
What causes it? When the blood return to the heart is poor, blood pressure builds up in the lower leg veins. This damages tiny blood vessels and weaken the veins. Fluid may leak out of the veins beneath the skin, causing swelling, thickening and damage to the skin. The skin eventually breaks down to form ulcer.
What are the signs? Common signs of poor blood flow in the legs are: • Swollen and enlarged leg veins. • Brown staining around the ankle. • Dry, itchy and scaly skin on the legs. How do I look aft er it? • Keep the wound clean to prevent infection. • To help the return of blood to your heart - Wear a compression bandage or compression stocking if advised by your doctor or nurse. - Raise the aff ected leg on a stool when sitting or on pillows when lying down. - Exercise your legs by moving your feet up and down, and rotating them at the ankles. • If your ulcer does not heal well, you may need an operation to improve the blood flow.
What else can I do? • Keep your bandage dry. Cover the bandage with a plastic bag when showering. • Remove your bandage immediately if your foot changes colour or you have severe pain at the front of your ankle or on the top of your foot. • Go for regular walks if possible to improve your blood flow. • Do not stand for long periods of time without a compression bandage. • Wear comfortable and well fitting footwear. • Contact your doctor or nurse if your bandage is wet or if your condition gets worse.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
IP.PE.65.0717