title: Ulcer dressings and management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic leg ulcers caused by venous disease, arterial disease or a combination of both need to be clearly identified before treatment can be commenced. Their management will depend on the diagnosis, combining direct management of the ulcer as well as management of patient factors. Other chronic wounds commonly observed in practice include pressure wounds, skin tears, atypical leg ulcers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper will outline a simple way to manage people with chronic ulcers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conclusion The prevalence of chronic wounds is expected to rise given that people are living longer and that the incidence of diabetes is increasing. There is a need is to clearly identify the underlying cause of any wound, including factors that may delay healing, and to treat appropriately. Treatment should address the wound environment, tissue base, presence of bacteria and the level of slough. If there is no improvement in wound healing after 4 weeks then seek help from a wound specialist.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of chronic ulcers in Australia has been estimated at 2-5%. Comprehensive assessment of the ulcer, the region and the whole person is an important first step in treatment. The aim of management is to promote healing and minimise the impact on the patient.
authors.affiliation: Geoff Sussman OAM, JP, PhC, FACP, FAIPM, FPS, FAWMA, Associate Professor, Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC.
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sussman
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001458:Bandages / Q000145:classification*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D012008:Recurrence; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*