Wound Care Plan

Cellulitis – Leg Blisters

Last Updated
19 May 2025
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Quick Overview

Reference ID Number: TWS-WCP-13

Categories

Cellulitis

Scope of Practice (ScOP) Designation

Registered Nurse (RN),Enrolled Nurse (EN),Medical Officer

Treatment Goals

To protect the the epidermis from rupturing allowing potential microorganisms to colonisation through open wounds.

Aim of Dressing

The dressing will not aid in the healing of the cellulitis so the aim is to preserve the status quo of the epidermis whilst the antibiotics are taking effect

Frequency of Dressing Change

1 Days(s) Min - 2 Days (Max)

References

Shopping List

Dressing Pack (Small),Jelonet Roll (15cm x 2m),Zetuvit Plus (20cm x 40cm),Cotton Bandage and Crepe,Iodine (100ml) (AKA Betadine)
Page Table of Contents

    Product Selection Disclaimer:

    The wound care products being currently used are a suggestion ONLY. They do not take into account your patient's individual needs which you must assess. No funding from medical companies has been provided and wound care products are chosen on their merit and what is available on the NSW Health State Wound Care Contract. Where an exact brand name product is not available we suggest you review the alternative tab or use another wound care product from its category eg. Hydrofibre

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    Care Plans

    Blistering to whole legs

    The leg is often swollen due to inflammation rather than a venous insufficiency. This is why we use cotton bandage and crepe so that there is no direct pressure that could burst the blisters. Some people lance blisters other people don't. In large blisters you may find the blister is made up of many smaller ones. This will inhibit your ability to drain the blister.

     Swipe 
    Step 1

    Clean legs

    Cleaning the legs can be done in the shower or at the bedside
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    Step 2

    Setup sterile field

    Use ANTT to unpack your sterile field and your STERILE products
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    Step 3

    Grab a friend

    You will need to grab a friend to lift your patient's leg. Save your back.
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    Step 4

    Don't forget the foot

    Have a good look at the foot. This patient has a burst blister on one of his toes that needs to be doused with betadine and allowed to dry and then a simple non-adherent dressing on top
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    Step 5

    Wrap the leg

    Wrap the leg in single layer.
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    Step 6

    Wrap the leg (part 2)

    Cover with zetuvit and Continue to wrap the leg with 50% over lap of the cotton bandage and then the crepe bandage. Try get a nice wide crepe bandage.
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    Step 7

    Elevate those legs

    Get those legs up either in bed or on a leg rest whilst in a chair
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