The scourge of chronic venous leg ulcers – is topical zinc the answer? A review of the literature

O'Connor, Siobhan

Abstract

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are chronic leg wounds that can have a debilitating effect on the physical and psychological health of patients. Older patients, who are a vulnerable group, suffer from VLUs more frequently and they are on the increase as the population ages. Venous leg ulcers also pose a serious cost to the health service. Zinc, in the form of topical creams and lotions, has been used in wound care for over 3,000 years, and today it is contained in a variety of wound care products that are used to treat chronic venous leg ulcers. The aim of this review is to undertake the first in-depth analysis of whether topical zinc-based wound products are effective in promoting the healing of venous leg ulcers.

• Book Type: Edited Book
• Publication Date: Nov 5, 2013
• Deposit Date: Dec 29, 2016
• Pages: 335-345
• Book Title: The Undergraduate Awards Journal
• Keywords: Venous leg ulcers, tropical zinc, ointments, creams, leg wounds, compression therapy,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/458802