Leg ulcers are common. It is estimated that 1.2–3.2 per 1,000 individuals in the UK have an active leg ulcer that requires treatment (Nelzén et al, 1994; Angle and Bergman, 1997; Posnett and Franks, 2007). The total cost of leg ulcer management remains unclear but is estimated to be £600m per year (Logan, 1997). However, this figure does not include the personal cost to patients (financial, time and travel) or take into account the impact on their quality of life (Moffatt et al, 1992).