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 To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?'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 - Management
How do I manage a venous leg ulcer with associated dermatitis?
- Exclude cellulitis if there is worsening venous eczema and signs suggestive of active infection.
- Use an emollient and a mild to moderate potency topical corticosteroid ointment. If compression bandaging is being used, consider replacing bandages more frequently than once weekly to apply topical treatment. For more information see the CKS topic on Eczema - atopic.
- If there is no improvement with an emollient and a moderately potent topical corticosteroid, or there are concerns about allergic contact dermatitis (worsening rash with topical treatment at any stage), refer the person to Dermatology for consideration of patch testing, and advise them to avoid any allergens subsequently identified.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement