Treatment of chronic leg ulcers with a hydrocolloid dressing

The effects of a hydrocolloid dressing (Comfeel Ulcus) on the physical environment of chronic leg ulcers in 58 consecutive out-patients were investigated. Patients were subdivided into two groups of which Group 1 included 31 (53.4%) and Group 2, 27 (46.6%) patients. Twenty-three (39.7%) patients healed within 7 weeks (study period) and 49 (84.5%) within 1 year (follow-up period). Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures as well as mycotic cultures were performed from ulcer bases of both groups of patients. In Group 1 a 3 mm punch biopsy was taken from the ulcer margins for histopathological examination. In Group 2 serum levels of iron, zinc, copper and selenium were measured and in these latter patients a mean…