14: Topical Dressing Selection

• We suggest applying a topical dressing that will manage venous leg ulcer exudate and maintain a moist, warm wound bed (Grade 2, Level C).
• We suggest selection of a primary wound dressing that will absorb wound exudate produced by the ulcer (alginates, foams) and protect the periulcer skin (Grade 2, Level B).

15: Topical Dressings Containing Antimicrobials

• We recommend against the routine use of topical antimicrobial-containing dressings in the treatment of non-infected venous leg ulcers (Grade 2, Level A).

16: Periulcer Skin Management

• We suggest application of skin lubricants underneath compression to reduce dermatitis that commonly affects periulcer skin (Grade 2, Level C).
• In severe cases of dermatitis associated with venous leg ulcers, we suggest topical steroids to reduce the development of secondary ulcerations and to reduce the symptoms of dermatitis (Grade 2, Level C).

17: Anti-inflammatory Therapies

• We suggest against use of anti-inflammatory therapies for the treatment of venous leg ulcers (Grade 2, Level C).