Chronic leg ulcer in the older age group: Etiology and management

Abstract

Chronic leg ulcer is commonly encountered in clinical practice. Its incidence is rising in the developed countries as a result of the ageing population. In Nigeria, its prevalence and natural history is scarce, the researchers hereby reviewed case of chronic leg ulcer managed in the hospital with respect to its etiology and management in the older age group. A prospective clinical based study was conducted in the hospital for chronic leg ulceration in patients aged 50 years and above. The data were analysed using SPSS version 11.0 computer software. A total of 33 patients aged 50 years and above were managed during the study period. There are 15 males (45.5%) and 18 females (54.5%) with a M:F ratio of 1:1.2. About 17 patients (51.5%) have their ulcers in the right legs and different etiology factors were reported. In most black African nations, older people are left for their family to take care of them. There is a need to educate the younger ones to take their older people to a qualified orthodox care provider so as to improve the quality of life care given and thereby improving their health related quality of life. © Medwell Journals, 2010.