Avoiding allergic contact dermatitis in patients with venous leg ulcers

The management of venous leg ulcers is frequently problematic, usually as a result of the patient's existing co-morbidities, but often because of problems in skin management, such as hyperkeratosis or skin sensitization and resulting contact dermatitis. Good leg ulcer management practice includes skin care, protection from excessive exudate and from potential sensitisers. This article explores how the practitioner can recognize allergic contact dermatitis in a patient with a venous leg ulcer and avoid the use of avoid potential skin sensitizers during management.