Skin
Medicines for Leg ulcer
A long-lasting wound on the lower leg, most often caused by poor vein circulation — treated with compression and wound care, and often healing when managed properly.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Leg ulcer?
A leg ulcer is a break in the skin of the lower leg that takes a long time to heal (usually more than two weeks). The most common type is a venous leg ulcer, caused by poor circulation in the leg veins, where raised pressure damages the skin, often around the inner ankle.
- How it is treated: Treatment depends on the cause but, for the common venous type, the cornerstone is compression (specialist bandaging or stockings) to support the veins and reduce the pressure and swelling, combined with good wound care and skin care — and most venous ulcers heal with proper, consistent treatment, though it can take weeks to months.
- Self-care: Wearing compression as prescribed, good skin and wound care, staying mobile, elevating the legs when resting, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and continuing compression stockings after healing (to prevent recurrence) all support treatment.
- When to seek help: See a GP or nurse about a wound on the leg that has not healed within two weeks, so the cause can be assessed and treatment started.
What it is
A leg ulcer is a break in the skin of the lower leg that takes a long time to heal (usually more than two weeks). The most common type is a venous leg ulcer, caused by poor circulation in the leg veins, where raised pressure damages the skin, often around the inner ankle. Other causes include poor arterial (artery) blood supply, diabetes, and pressure. Symptoms include a wound that does not heal, often with surrounding skin changes such as discolouration, hardening, swelling or eczema, and there may be discharge, discomfort or itching; an infected ulcer becomes more painful, red and may smell. Leg ulcers are common, particularly in older people and those with vein problems, previous clots, or reduced mobility, and they can significantly affect quality of life. Identifying the cause guides treatment.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the cause but, for the common venous type, the cornerstone is compression (specialist bandaging or stockings) to support the veins and reduce the pressure and swelling, combined with good wound care and skin care — and most venous ulcers heal with proper, consistent treatment, though it can take weeks to months. Before compression is used, the blood supply to the leg is checked (as compression is not suitable if the artery supply is poor). Treating any infection, managing swelling, staying mobile and elevating the legs when resting all help, and underlying vein problems may be treated to reduce recurrence. Because ulcers can come back, ongoing use of compression stockings after healing is often advised. Care is usually provided by a leg-ulcer or tissue-viability service. Arterial and diabetic ulcers are managed according to their cause.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Leg ulcer
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Wearing compression as prescribed, good skin and wound care, staying mobile, elevating the legs when resting, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and continuing compression stockings after healing (to prevent recurrence) all support treatment.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or nurse about a wound on the leg that has not healed within two weeks, so the cause can be assessed and treatment started. Seek prompt care if an ulcer becomes more painful, red, swollen, smelly or discharging, which suggests infection.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Leg ulcer: frequently asked questions
What causes leg ulcers?
The most common cause is poor circulation in the leg veins (a venous ulcer). Others include poor artery blood supply, diabetes and pressure. Identifying the cause is important, as treatment — such as compression — depends on it.
Do leg ulcers heal?
Yes — most venous leg ulcers heal with proper, consistent treatment, mainly compression and wound care, though it can take weeks to months. Continuing compression stockings afterwards helps prevent them coming back.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Venous leg ulcer
- NICE CG168 — Varicose veins / leg ulcer guidance
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