Leg Ulcers: Diagnosis and Management

The aim of this chapter is to focus on the diagnosis and management of leg ulcers. The management of leg ulcers was initially the domain of surgeons which later extended to vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons and of course the dermatologists. Many a time dermatologists are the first to encounter patients with venous ulcers, vasculitic ulcers, pyoderma gangrenosum and very importantly neuropathic ulcers due to diabetes and leprosy. Leg ulcers are challenging which requires a liaison of multispecialty to efficiently manage and relieve the ailing patients who are burdened by the chronicity of the condition. This book consists of 18 chapters, which include epidemiology and socioeconomic impact, venous anatomy of the lower extremity, pathology of leg ulcers, microbiology of leg ulcers, wound healing, history taking and examination in chronic leg ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, neuropathic ulcers, principles of leg ulcer management, topical therapy for leg ulcers, systemic therapy of leg ulcers, compression therapy and dressings, role of skin grafting in managing leg ulcers, role of platelet rich plasma and platelet rich fibrin in managing leg ulcers, and novel research and recent advances in managing leg ulcers. This book has been designed to be of benefit to residents and consultants across specialties of dermatology, surgery, vascular surgery and plastic surgery.