Venous Ulcers

Foot and skin care guidelines

The treatment of all ulcers begins with careful skin and foot care.
Inspecting your feet and skin is very important, especially for people with diabetes.
Detecting and treating foot and skin sores early can help you prevent infection and prevent the sore from getting worse.

Gently wash the affected area on your leg and your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Washing helps loosen and remove dead skin and other debris or drainage from the ulcer. Gently and thoroughly dry your skin and feet, including between the toes. Do not rub your skin or area between the toes. Every day, examine your legs as well as the tops and bottoms of your feet and the areas between your toes. Look for any blisters, cuts, cracks, scratches or other sores. Also check for redness, increased warmth, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses. Use a mirror to view the leg or foot if necessary, or have a family member look at the area for you. Once or twice a day, apply a lanolin-based cream to your legs and soles and top of your feet to prevent dry skin and cracking. Do not apply lotion between your toes or on areas where there is an open sore or cut. If the skin is extremely dry, use the moisturizing cream more often. Care for your toenails regularly. Cut your toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Cut toenails straight across and smooth with an emery board. Do not self-treat corns, calluses or other foot problems. Go to a podiatrist to treat these conditions. Don’t wait to treat a minor foot or skin problem. Follow your doctor’s guidelines.