Leg ulcers / pressure ulcers (if diabetic foot ulcer, see NHSGGC poster for guidance)

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

If antibiotic therapy is required, treat as cellulitis 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.