The dilemma of wounds in chronic oedema/lymphoedema

Recent research on an international level has reported a high prevalence of wounds of diverse aetiology in patients with chronic leg oedema/lymphoedema. Multiple factors contribute to the development of wounds, delayed wound healing, and/or to the development of oedema in these patients. Due to the complex nature of these conditions, they can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Despite the efforts and recommendations over the past decades that support compression therapy as the core intervention to´reduce oedema and stimulate wound healing, a substantial percentage of the patients have been shown not to have well-controlled oedema. In this clinical paper, we provide the link between wounds and chronic oedema/
lymphoedema, and highlight important factors to remember in the assessment and management of these patients, to provide a holistic, individualised and realistic care plan. Generating research is challenging and requires research
design for complex interventions to achieve an evidence-based approach for this complex group of patients.