This is a new guideline from NICE giving advice on antibiotic prescribing in leg ulcers, published in February 2020.
As is the case with these antibiotic guidelines, there is an excellent visual summary.
What suggests that an ulcer is infected?
Many ulcers are colonised by bacteria, but are not infected. There is a useful definition of what an ‘infected’ ulcer looks like. The following may be signs of infection:
- Redness or swelling beyond the edge of the ulcer.
- Localised warmth.
- Increased pain.
- Fever.