Evidence-based (S3) guidelines for diagnostics and treatment of venous leg ulcers

Abstract

The need for European guidelines in dermatology is indicated by the ongoing development in European dermatology.The EDF, the EADV and the ESDR headed by the UEMS, also officially approved by the European Community, form the structure of pan European dermatology.The European guidelines differ substantially from individual national guidelines.The main differences are:No restrictions by different national regulations for EDF GuidelinesNo restrictions imposed by local rules on drug distribution, reimbursement facilities, etc.The diagnosis and the treatment of venous leg ulcers is an important consideration within all European dermatological departments.Although, this is not exclusive for this particular specialism, phlebology, surgeons, physicians interested in vascular medicine and general practitioners also treat patients with venous leg ulcers.Nevertheless in general, the most difficult and complicated cases are treated by dermatologists.Therefore, the European Dermatological Forum has decided to compile a European guideline on this subject.The process was as follows:This EDF guideline replaces the EDF guideline on venous leg ulcers -2006