Assessing the effect of chronic oedema with associated ulceration

Chronic oedema is a common problem in the UK and, given the country's ageing population, the numbers are predicted to rise. In an epidemiological study carried out in Derby, England, researchers found the prevalence of chronic oedema to be 3.99 in every 1000 people, with the prevalence increasing to 10.31 in those aged 65-74 years. Often, patients with untreated chronic oedema will develop an ulceration that can lead to further costs and hospital admissions. The cost of treating chronic wounds has been estimated at £2.3 billion-£3.1 billion a year. It is therefore surprising that given the number of patients living with these problems, there is still a lack of knowledge and skill among nurses when assessing patients with chronic oedema and associated ulceration. This article offers advice for nurses when assessing leg ulcers in patients with chronic oedema, detailing the visual skin changes most frequently seen in these patients. The article also discusses some of the treatment options available, briefly covering the advantages and disadvantages of each option.