Diagnosis and management of venous ulcers

Venous ulceration of the lower extremities is a common and often disabling condition. Venous ulcers are the result of a chronic inflammatory condition caused by persistent venous hypertension. Therapy is directed at counteracting the chronic inflammation in the tissues and at decreasing ambulatory venous hypertension in the area. Compression therapy helps decrease the venous hypertension and aids healing. Topical agents may be used to help decrease the bacterial load in the wound, provide a moist healing environment for dry wounds, or absorb the exudate in wounds with a lot of drainage. Pharmacological adjuncts, such as pentoxifylline or flavanoids, may help counteract the chronic inflammation in the ulcerated area. Interventions to decrease the ambulatory venous hypertension can help patients with either active or healed ulcers. Ablation of incompetent superficial truncal veins and/or perforating veins using radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, or foam sclerotherapy can speed ulcer healing and prevent recurrence.