If you have a leg ulcer or other lower limb condition, one of the most important parts of your treatment is to squeeze in skin care and hygiene.
Your leg and foot will need to be washed in warm water regularly using a soap substitute to remove any debris or dead skin from the leg and/or ulcer. Speak to your nurse or healthcare professional regarding a suitable alternative to soap, as these can dry out your skin.
Love your legs
Once your leg and ulcer have been cleaned and dried, you will need to hydrate your leg using a simple cream, this will minimise itching and prevent your leg from drying out, this will feel amazing! Remember, squeeze in regular skin care and put a spring in your step! You won’t regret it!
Squeeze in long term skin care
Hygiene and skin care are just as important when the ulcer heals as when you have a wound.Venous problems are a long-term condition and it needs us to squeeze in a long-term self-care routine so you are able to manage this independently and prevent your ulcer from returning.
Keeping your skin in good condition will hugely reduce your chances of developing another leg ulcer and following simple guidelines of what to do, and what not to do can massively help. Squeeze in skin care and squeeze in independence.
This blog post has been written by Director of Lower Limb Consultancy Services Ltd, and Honorary Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Andy Kerr.
For more information about self caring for your leg and wound at home visit our blog Adopting a self care skin care routine: top tips from a clinician.
If you have a leg wound or lower limb condition sign up to Club Squeeze In to receive tips and guidance on how to manage your leg health from our Self Care Ambassador, Johnny Vegas, and other experts.
