referral criteria from primary care - leg ulcer

Last reviewed 01/2018

Who to refer

Referral must be considered in the following cases:

  • venous ulcers failing to progress at three months or which have not healed by twelve months

  • all ulcers of an arterial or mixed aetiology - assessment needed for reconstructive surgical / radiological procedures

  • failure to adequately control underlying pathologies

  • suspected malignant change (2 Week Rule referral to dermatology)

  • suspected cases of contact allergic dermatitis

  • post-healing - consideration should be given to the referral for further investigations of venous leg ulcers to see if surgical intervention would reduce the risk of re-ulceration. Such a referral would depend on local resources, and is particularly relevant for patients developing ulcers from a young age

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