Non Diabetic Leg Ulcer

Antibiotics do not improve healing unless active infection. (e.g. purulent exudate / odour, increased pain, cellulitis, pyrexia)

See Wound Management Guidelines and Formulary. (Page 71: Algorithm for assessment and management of chronic wounds)

Further information on wound assessment including a visual guide can be found here

Ulcers will always be colonised with bacteria e.g. Staph, coliforms (e.g. E coli, Proteus), Pseudomonas, anaerobes and possibly yeast too.

Do not take a swab unless there is evidence of ongoing/worsening infection despite appropriate wound management +/- empirical antibiotic. Swab must only be taken from AFTER cleaning and from deep within ulcer.

Effective chronic wound care is essential for healing and avoidance of recurrent infection.