General reviews
MODERN DRESSINGS FOR THE TREATMENT OF VENOUS LEG ULCERS

Leg ulcer is defined as a dermohypodermic loss of substance located in the lower parts of the inferior limbs with long time evolution and without the tendency for spontaneous healing. A proper dressing shortens the healing time, improves the quality of life and lowers the health care costs. Before choosing the type of dressing, we must have in mind that an ideal dressing keeps the wound moisture, removes excess exudate, it is not allergenic, protects ulcers from secondary infections and trauma, it changes less frequently.
To determine the prognosis and to choose an appropriate type of dressing, the initial assessment in a venous ulcer takes into account the presence of necrosis, infection and exudates.

Autolytic debridement is performed using hydrogel dressings, hydrocolloids, alginates or films. For the treatment of infection, there are topical antimicrobial dressings containing silver, iodine, honey, polyhexamethylene biguanide, or a mixture of methylene blue and crystal violet. In infected ulcers, odor filtration may be obtained with charcoal secondary dressing.

A humid environment is essential in all stages of healing,in order to maintain a proper moisture, it is necessary to increas humidity in dry wounds and to decreas it in wounds with excessively exudate. We recommend using hydrocolloid dressings, hydrogels, films for dry wounds and foams, alginates, calcium hydrofibers for moist
wounds.
Due to aging and lack of prevention, currently, in our country the prevalence and incidence of venous leg ulcers is increasing, causing multiple hospitalizations, high costs and a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Early and effective treatment is mandatory to avoid prolonged hospitalization and possible complications.