Description:
AbstractIntroduction Nonhealing venous ulcers are one of the most common forms of lower extremity ulcers in the present population. It is cumbersome to treat and is associated with high-morbidity and immense treatment expenses. The current treatments include compression therapy. Four-layer compression dressings have proven to be an effective treatment for venous ulcers.Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of four-layer compression dressings and to study the rate of healing and duration of treatment with four-layer compression dressings.Materials and Methods A prospective randomized study conducted at MS Ramaiah Medical college which included 70 patients who completed the course of weekly dressings depending on the size of ulcer. The regular four-layer dressings were done by a trained podiatrist in vascular outpatient department (OPD) once a week. The area of the ulcer was calculated using the modified Gilmen formula.Results A total of 70 patients who were compliant with the treatment were included in the study. A considerable percentage (74%) of patients were male and all the ulcers were located at the gaiter area. Most belonged to the age group between 41 to 50 years (25%). The healing rate of ulcers at the end of 4, 8 and 12 weeks were 46.87, 28.12, and 25%, respectively. At the end of 12 weeks, all the ulcers healed.