What is the treatment of Venous Stasis Ulcers?

Comprehensive care for patients with venous ulcers must include local wound care and adequate compression therapy.

Wound care protocol should include the following:

• Debridement
• Skin care
• Infection control
• Revascularization
• Compression therapy

Ulcers should be cleaned with either peroxide, Dakin's solution or potassium permanganate once per day. Bio-occlusive dressings can be applied and changed every 2–7 days. These dressings promote formation of good granulation tissue and rapid healing.

Compression therapy protocol should include the following:

• Medical Compression Stockings
• Pneumatic Compression Pump Therapy

In many cases, particularly in older patients, the effective level of compression required is greater than that which the patient can tolerate. Thus, an alternative approach is to include a pneumatic compression pump in the protocol. The compression pump reduces venous stasis by promoting venous blood flow and has been shown to enhance fibrinolytic activity. Compression therapy must continue after the ulcer is healed, often for the duration of the patient's lifetime.