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Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
Published on: December 9, 2022
Impact of exudate and odour from chronic venous leg ulceration
J E Jones1, Jude Robinson, Wally Barr
1Sefton Primary Care Trust (PCT), Lancashire. june.jones2@seftonpct.nhs.uk
Aims:
To explore depression in people treated for chronic venous leg ulceration, and to assess the impact of excessive exudate, leading to leakage and odour, on their daily lives, overall health and quality of life.
Methods:
Completion of a questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with chronic leg ulceration (n = 196), and interviews with 20 people living with chronic leg ulceration.
Findings:
Odour and excessive exudate leading to leakage had an adverse effect on patients' psychological state, leading to feelings of disgust, self-loathing and low self-esteem.
Conclusion:
Chronic leg ulcers disrupt patients' lives and restrict their social lives, leading to social isolation and depression. Healthcare professionals should better understand the impact of symptoms such as odour and exudate leakage on patients' mental health, physical health and healing.
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