Use of systemic antibiotics and antiseptics for venous leg ulcers

Macedo, Marinha Sofia

Marinha Sofia Macedo is clinical instructor for nursing research, nursing development and Saudization, Nursing Research Division, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and member of the Cochrane Nursing Care Field (CNCF).

Nursing Times 110(25):p 16-17, June 18, 2014.

The presence of leg-ulcer infection may delay healing. A review has found no evidence to support the routine use of systemic antibiotics to promote venous leg ulcer healing

In this article…

> Evidence on systemic antibiotics for wound infection

> Comparison between topical preparations

> The limitations of current evidence

Abstract

Macedo MS (2014) Use of systemic antibiotics and antiseptics for venous leg ulcers. Nursing Times; 110: 25, 16–17.

A Cochrane review has brought together the available evidence on the use of systemic antibiotics and topical antibiotics and antiseptics for infected leg ulcers. This article presents a summary of the evidence and describes its limitations.