The dilemma of wounds in chronic oedema/lymphoedema

Recent research on an international level has reported a high prevalence of wounds of diverse aetiology in patients with chronic leg oedema/lymphoedema. Multiple factors contribute to the development of wounds, delayed wound healing, and/or to the development of oedema in these patients. Due to the complex nature of these conditions, they can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Despite the efforts and recommendations over the past decades that support compression therapy as the core intervention to reduce oedema and stimulate wound healing, a substantial percentage of the patients have been shown not to have well-controlled oedema. In this clinical paper, we provide the link between wounds and chronic oedema/lymphoedema, and highlight important factors to remember in the assessment and management of these patients, to provide a holistic, individualised and realistic care plan. Generating research is challenging and requires research design for complex interventions to achieve an evidence-based approach for this complex group of patients.