How to Dress a Stasis Leg Ulcer Wound

Stasis leg ulcer wounds typically appear low on the legs, near the ankle. If you have a mild to moderate wound you can treat it at home. However, these wounds may become serious and require medical interventions. If home treatment doesn't heal your wound, see a doctor immediately. Leg ulcer wounds are often caused by poorly managed diabetes but can be prevented by keeping skin moist, wearing compression stockings, limiting sodium, controlling cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and quitting smoking.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Gauze bandages
• Bandage tape
• Collagen gel

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Instructions

Minor Ulcers

• 1

  Wash the area with soap and water.

• 2

  Apply a layer of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic petroleum jelly product, such as Neosporin.

• 3

  Attach a clean gauze bandage to the area. Secure with tape, being careful not to allow the tape to touch the wound.

More Severe Ulcers

• 4

  Wash the wound with soap and allow to dry.

• 5

  Apply a collagen cream or hydrogel dressing to the wound.

• 6

  Apply petroleum jelly to the area and secure the area with gauze bandages.

• 7

  Wrap the area with compression bandages, or wear compression socks or stockings.