Quick Facts - Venous Leg Ulcers 2021

Approximately 2.5 million Americans have chronic venous insufficiency, and approximately 20% will develop venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Treating venous disease and VLUs often requires comprehensive and lifelong wound management. Early detection, proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment strategies, and ongoing management are essential in promoting wound healing in VLUs. Successful VLU treatment engages patients as partners in the care plan, to enhance adherence. This fact sheet for wound care professionals contains practical information that can be applied clinically for optimal outcomes in patients with VLUs. The following topics are covered:Epidemiology of VLUsPathophysiology of venous insufficiency and VLUsTreatment strategies for VLUsInfection preventionComorbidities and VLU riskPromoting patient adherence to treatment