What dressing to use on a venous ulcer?

What dressing to use on a venous ulcer?

Venous leg ulcers are a common and recurring type of chronic or complex wound which can be distressing for patients and costly to healthcare providers. Compression therapy, in the form of bandages or stockings, is considered to be the cornerstone of venous leg ulcer management.

How do you apply a compression bandage for a venous ulcer?

Bandages should generally be applied toe to knee at 50% stretch and with 50% overlap but specific manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for each bandage. Interface pressure peaks on the leg during walking exceeding 50-60 mm Hg reduce VR and increase venous pumping function.

Why do venous ulcers need a compression bandage?

To improve vein circulation in your legs and treat swelling, your nurse will apply a firm compression bandage over the affected leg. These bandages are designed to squeeze your legs and encourage blood to flow upwards towards your heart.

What is a 4 layer compression wrap?

Four-layer bandaging is a high-compression bandaging system (sub-bandage pressure 35-40mmHg at the ankle) that incorporates elastic layers to achieve a sustained level of compression over time.

What is silver alginate dressing?

CVS Health Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressings use the power of silver to form a barrier against Staphylococcus aureus and Psedomonas aeruginosa. Ideal for wounds that are at risk of infection: abrasions, minor cuts, scalds and burns.

What is alginate dressing made of?

Alginate dressings consist of the soft nonwoven fibers of a cellulose-like polysaccharide derived from the calcium salts of seaweed. They are biodegradable, hydrophilic, nonadherent, and highly absorbent.

How many layers should constitute a bandage?

The four-layer bandage system is primarily used in the treatment of venous ulceration and achieves healing in patients with both deep, superficial and combined venous incompetence [1],[2],[3]. Four-layer bandaging can also be used to prevent recurrence in patients who are unable to wear elastic hosiery.

How much compression is needed for a venous ulcer?

In order to treat venous leg ulcers, it is recommended to use high pressure compression (30–40 mmHg at the ankle). Compression stockings which are not operator dependant could be the best option because of their pressure control. However 30–40 mmHg compression stockings are often hard to put on.

Is the four-layer compression bandage system effective in healing venous leg ulcers?

This short series reviews the development of the four-layer compression bandage system together with the evidence that contributes to a greater understanding of why it is effective in promoting healing in venous leg ulcers. This article, the second in the series, looks at the clinical indications for use and how to apply a four-layer bandage.

How many layers are in a compression bandage system?

Four-layer (4) Compression Bandage Systems A multi-layer compression bandage system used for the treatment of venous leg ulcers and related conditions.

How do you protect the skin around a venous bandage?

Simple methods such as pleating the orthopaedic wool or the addition of a strip of wool over the area can provide extra protection. Due to the increased skin sensitivity in venous disease, the padding layer should cover all vulnerable areas and just be visible at the toes and top of the bandage.

What are the indications for four-layer bandaging for oedema?

The short-stretch, inelastic effect noted in four-layer bandaging has made this a useful treatment option, although modifications to the application are required. Further indications for the use of four-layer bandaging include conditions where oedema hinders wound healing, such as pretibial lacerations (Box 1) .