[A new generation of dressings in the treatment of leg ulcers].

Current methods of topical treatment of leg ulcers are reviewed. Leg ulcers are chronic wounds in a trophically altered tissue that affects the healing capacity. Complete healing requires prolonged and rather expensive treatment and the patient is often disabled during this period. The conventional methods of treatment of leg ulcers, including various compresses, ointments, pastes and other topical drugs, that may possess a considerable sensitizing potential, are to an increasing extent replaced by updated therapy consisting in the use of a new generation of dressings. The latter include a number of materials that have been developed on the basis of recent knowledge of wound healing, such as hydrogels, hydrocolloids, xerogels, hydropolymer dressings, polyurethane foam sheets, alginate dressings, and non-adherent, non-woven cloth impregnated with silver and activated charcoal. The selection of the available materials must depend on the character and stage of the healing process. Each group of dressings exerts specific effects and none of them can recommended generally for the treatment of any types of ulceration. A brief survey of indications is given for each group to avoid their abuse.