Leg ulcers / pressure ulcers (if diabetic foot ulcer, see NHSGGC Infection Management Guideline Poster for guidance)

Send samples* and treat only if evidence of clinical infection** is present. 

If antibiotic therapy is required, treat as cellulitis on the NHSGGC Infection Management Guideline Poster and refer for specialist opinion following clinical review and if judged to be severe.

Consider referral to OPAT / Ambulatory care if IV antibiotics required, but otherwise suitable for same day discharge.

If no sign of clinical infection, antibiotics do not improve healing.

*Do not routinely swab ulcers unless signs of clinical infections as bacteria will always be present. **Signs of clinical infection are: inflammation / redness / cellulitis with at least one of:

• Increased pain;
• Purulent exudate;
• Rapid deterioration of ulcer; or
• Pyrexia.