Comparison of two occlusive bandages in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

A randomized controlled study was performed in 34 patients with venous leg ulcers. No difference was found in the healing rate between a new hydrocolloid dressing plus compression, and a double layer bandage, consisting of an inner paste bandage (i.e. a stocking impregnated with zinc oxide paste) and an outer elastic bandage. The parameters chosen for objective evaluation were stereophotogrammetric measurement of ulcer area and volume, and bacterial counts.