Prevention of varicose ulcer relapse: A cohort study

Abstract

Objective: Determine the relapse rate of varicose ulcer and check the association between relapse and prevention measures adopted. Methods: Cohort study involving 50 patients over 18 years of age post-healing of varicose ulcer monitored over ten years. Relapse was assessed through direct inspection during the clinical assessment, and the preventive measures used were informed by the patient. Pearson's chi-square test was used with p ≤0.05. Results: Relapse of varicose ulcer corresponded to 62.2%, mostly in women, followed by elderly, illiterate and retired people. The following combination was effective to prevent relapses: use of compressive stockings, rest and application of moisturizer. Conclusion: The relapse rate of varicose ulcer was high and the main combination of preventive measures applied was the use of compressive stockings, rest and application of moisturizer.