You can help to prevent a venous leg ulcer in several ways, such as wearing a compression stocking, losing weight and taking care of your skin.
People most at risk of developing a venous leg ulcer are those who have previously had an ulcer. Once a leg has suffered a venous ulcer, there is a one in four chance of further ulceration developing within the next two years.
Compression stockings
Venous leg ulceration is almost always preceded by the skin changes of lipodermatosclerosis. Your GP will help you recognise this problem and refer you to a vascular specialist for further tests and treatment.
In people who have troublesome varicose veins causing skin damage as well as problems following a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the best method of treatment is to start with graduated elastic medical compression stockings.
Your nurse will help you find a stocking that fits correctly and which you can manage yourself. Various accessories are available to help you put these on and take them off.
Graduated elastic medical compression stockings should also be worn if you have had a previous leg ulcer, to prevent another one forming.
Lose weight
If you are obese, then losing weight can help prevent venous leg ulcers because excess weight contributes to high pressure in the leg veins, which can cause damage to the skin. Venous ulcers are much more common among people who are obese than in people of normal weight.
To lose weight do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, eat smaller portions and have only healthy snacks between meals. A gradual weight loss of around 0.5kg (1.1lbs) a week is usually recommended.
Read more information and advice about losing weight.
A low-fat, high-fibre diet that includes wholegrains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) is recommended.
Read more information about a healthy diet.
Skin care
Use an emollient (moisturiser) regularly on your legs, particularly if you have had a previous venous leg ulcer. You can use it as often as you like as there are no safety concerns about using it too much. The motion of rubbing the emollient into your skin also helps to boost your circulation.
Examine your legs regularly for broken skin, blisters, swelling and redness. Treating minor skin conditions as and when they occur may help prevent a venous leg ulcer developing.
