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CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Leg ulcer - venous
In the right clinical topic?

Age from 16 years onwards

This CKS topic is based on the clinical practice guideline, The nursing management of patients with venous leg ulcers. Recommendations, produced by the Royal College of Nursing Institute (2006).

This CKS topic covers the management of venous leg ulcers, including assessment, cleansing, debridement, dressing, compression therapy, and preventing recurrence. The management of infection is covered, and complications such as pain and associated dermatitis are discussed.

This CKS topic does not cover the management of leg ulcers with an arterial component or skin ulcers caused by pressure.

There are separate CKS topics on Diabetes type 2 and Palliative cancer care - malignant ulcer.

The target audience for this CKS topic is healthcare professionals working within the NHS in England, and providing first contact or primary health care. Patient information from NHS Choices is intended to be printed and given to people with this condition or their carers.

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