Leg ulcers and sickle cell disease
Information for patients
This leaflet answers some of the questions you may have about leg
ulcers. It includes information about causes, prevention and treatment.
What is a leg ulcer?
A leg ulcer is a painful, open sore that develops on the lower leg, usually close to the ankle.
It may cause scarring and your skin can become discoloured. They can take a few months or
longer to heal, and you can get them repeatedly.
You are more likely to get a leg ulcer if you:
l have sickle cell anaemia (HbSS)
l have low haemoglobin
l are a man
l are over 20
What are the causes?
It can be caused by:
l Damage to the blood vessels in the legs from sickling. Reduced blood flow.
l Injury, insect bites and infection
How can I prevent leg ulcers?
l
l
l
l
l
l
Avoid injury, especially to your feet, ankles and legs.
Treat minor trauma around the ankles quickly.
Wear socks and well-fitting shoes.
Use insect repellents and protection from mite bites.
Avoid being on your feet for too long.
Do not inject anything into your lower limbs.
Once your leg ulcer heals, avoid injury to the area and use skin moisturiser to soften the skin.
Try to sit with your legs raised as often as you can as this will encourage good circulation and
wear compression tights after the ulcer area heals to prevent it coming back.
What do I do if I have a cut or graze on my leg that won’t heal?
Contact a member of the sickle cell clinical nurse specialist team as soon as possible (page two)
so that they can check and offer treatment if needed.
Looking after a leg ulcer
It is important to keep ulcers as clean as possible and to change your dressings regularly. You
may need different types of wound dressings– we often recommend compression bandages to
help blood circulation.
To help speed up healing you should:
l Eat a nutritious and well balanced diet
l Rest in bed and raise your legs as often as possible
l Avoid standing for too long
l Take zinc supplements if recommended by your doctor.
Do I need any treatment?
You may need:
l D
ebridement: we may need to remove dead, damaged or infected tissue to help improve
healing.
l Pain relief: leg ulcers can be painful
l X-rays and scans if we think your underlying bone is infected
l A blood transfusion
l Skin grafting: this may be needed if your ulcer will not heal successfully.
To ensure that your leg ulcer heals properly, it is important that you follow the advice in this
leaflet. If you have any concerns about your leg ulcer before your next clinic appointment,
contact a member of staff in the sickle team below.
Who can I contact with queries and concerns?
If you have any queries or concerns about your leg ulcer, please contact:
Sickle cell and thalassaemia clinical specialist nurses
020 3299 1424/ 020 3299 1400
Care provided by students
We provide clinical training where our students get practical experience by treating patients.
Please tell your doctor or nurse if you do not want students to be involved in your care. Your
treatment will not be affected by your decision.
PALS
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a service that offers support, information and
assistance to patients, relatives and visitors. They can also provide help and advice if you have a
concern or complaint that staff have not been able to resolve for you.
PALS at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS:
Tel:
020 3299 3601
Fax:
020 3299 3626
Email: [email protected]
You can also contact us by using our online form at www.kch.nhs.uk/contact/pals
PALS at Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, Orpington, Kent BR6 8ND
Tel: 01689 863252
Email: [email protected]
If you would like the information in this leaflet in a different language or format, please
contact PALS on 020 3299 1844.
www.kch.nhs.uk
PL 695.1 July 2015
Corporate Comms: 1136
Review date July 2018