Management of chronic venous leg ulcers

There is evidence of variation in both healing rates and recurrence rates of venous leg ulcers. Healing rates in the community, where around 80% of patients are treated, are low compared to that achieved in specialist clinics.

Remit and target users

The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the management of chronic venous leg ulcers including: assessment; treatment; prevention of recurrence; provision of care; and a checklist for provision of information. A number of guideline recommendations provide opportunities for disinvestment in routine use of therapies for which there is insufficient evidence of benefit.

This guideline will be of particular interest to patients, general practitioners, nursing staff (district nurses, practice nurses and specialist nurses in dermatology, wound management, tissue viability and rheumatology) dermatologists, vascular surgeons and plastic surgeons and pharmacists. It may also be of interest to podiatrists and physiotherapists.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook .

Keeping up to date

This guideline was issued in 2010 and will be considered for review in three years. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the review report.

If you are aware of any new evidence that would update this guideline please complete a change request form and return to: roberta.james@nhs.scot

​ Current 3-7 years

Some recommendations may be out of  date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.