Venous ulcer patients can experience this situation for several years without achieving healing if treatment is inadequate. Evidence-based professional practice generates effective results for patients and services. This research aimed to carry out a systematic review to assess the most effective method to improve venous return and the best topic treatment for these ulcers. Studies were collected in eight databases, using the following descriptors: leg ulcer, venous ulcer and similar terms. The sample consisted of 33 primary studies and two Meta-analyses. A wide range of treatments was identified, grouped in compression therapy (54.3%) and topical treatment (45.7%). It was evidenced that compression therapy increases ulcer healing rates and should be used in patients with intact arteries. There is no consensus about the best topical treatment, although different options should be associated with compression therapy.
varicose ulcer; evidence-based medicine; review literature
