Self-Care-Based Treatment Using Ordinary Elastic Bandages for Venous Leg Ulcers

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to study venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing and recurrence rates of VLU using a self-care-based treatment strategy.

Methods: The study included 36 patients (43 legs) who visited our clinic between April 2009 and June 2015 because of non-healing VLUs and who had been treated by us for more than a year (until June 2016). Patients or their caregivers were first provided instructions for performing the “no-intentional-stretch” bandaging technique using ordinary elastic bandages. Wounds were cleansed with tepid water daily, and bandages were re-applied by patients or their caregivers; this was continued until VLUs were healed. Compression was discontinued after healing, but was restarted if persistent swelling and/or dermatitis was noticed on their legs.

Results: The median ulcer size was 6.5 cm ² (range, 1–105 cm ²). The median number of clinic visits until healing was six (range, 3–35). The 6- and 12-month healing rates were 67% and 86%, respectively. Twenty (44%) legs required compression therapy after VLU healing. The cumulative recurrence-free rate at 60 months was 86%.

Conclusion: Reasonable healing and recurrence rates were achieved by applying a self-care-based VLU treatment strategy.