The Use of Compression to Treat Venous Leg Ulcers: The Inadequacy of Current Compression Systems Especially in Tropical Nations

Abstract

Venous leg ulcers are a chronic problem and the mainstay of treatment is compression bandaging. There are many systems of compression bandaging which include short stretch and four-layer bandaging. However, there is always a problem in these systems when it comes to the usage in tropical nations due to the prevalent heat and the humidity. Level of activity plays an important role. Therefore, the health care professional has to have the knowledge and the training to do it well so there is graduated pressure during static and dynamic activity. In addition, the patients have to be engaged and informed about the compression bandaging system so that they don’t remove it. This is crucial for the management of the venous ulcer. A proper system has to be used to allow venous return and manage the ulcer comprehensively. Proper dressings are also needed according to the wound bed, edge and the peri-wound skin.