Dermatology
You have been diagnosed with a leg ulcer and have been referred to the Dermatology Department. This information leaflet has been designed to give you an insight to what your treatment will involve.
What is a leg ulcer?
A leg ulcer is an area where the skin has broken down. This can be the result of a knock to the leg or because the circulation is not very good.
What happens at hospital?
After having your diagnosis you will only need to see the nurse for your treatment, your consultant will only see you when you attend their clinic for your follow up appointment.
The nurse who explains your treatment will have given you a treatment card on your return this should be placed in the document holder on the wall under the blue sign in the waiting room. Once you have done this please take a seat and the nurse will be with you as soon as possible. Once the nurse calls you this is your opportunity to discuss any problems since your last visit.
About your treatment
The nurse will remove the dressing to your leg or legs and will usually wash it in a solution of Potassium Permanganate (this will give a purple tint to the water). This solution will aid the removal of any debris on your leg. This may sting a little but it shouldn’t be too painful. The nurse will then redress your legs according to your prescription.
The nurse will advise you when you will need to have your legs redressed; this may be by the nurses in the dept. or your own Practice or District nurse.
Are there any precautions I should take?
Do
Give up smoking
Try to lose weight if you are overweight
Take care not to knock or bang your legs
Don’t
Stand or sit in one position for a long time
Sit with your legs crossed
Remove your bandages or dressings. If you have a problem contact the nurses in the Dermatology Dept or your own G.P. or Practice District nurse
Important
It is important you attend regularly for your treatment, if the treatment is to be effective. If you experience any problems attending please discuss this with the nurses.
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]