A multicentre evaluation of a new chitosan FH02TM spray-on dressing in patients with chronic wounds in the UK

Venous leg ulcers develop as a result of underlying venous insufficiency. Risk factors for venous disease include a history of deep vein thrombosis, obesity, pregnancy and previous venous surgery (Anderson, 2008). In the early stages, inadequate or damaged valves in the lower limb results in a backflow of blood which pools in the veins resulting in increased venous blood pressure. Proteins, blood cells and fluid begin to leak into the tissues of the legs (Timmons and Bianchi, 2008). The colouration of the skin changes as red blood cells burst and stain the surrounding skin with pigment known as haemosiderin (Anderson, 2008). With time, the limb becomes oedematous, the skin condition changes and becomes more easily damaged (Timmons and Bianchi, 2008).