Aims: The objective of this prospective randomised comparative study was to assess the effects of two different cellulose-based dressings and their influence on venous leg ulcer cleansing and debridement over a four-week observation period. Methods: After ethics committee approval was obtained, both in and outpatients at the trial centres were recruited to the study after giving written informed consent. Forty patients (n=20/20) were included on an intention to treat basis. Results: Forty patients completed the study (n=20/n=20) and were included in the analysis. The ulcers in the study group (SG) showed a 43.53% reduction in wound area, whereas the ulcers in the control group (CG) had a 17.94% reduction. The reduction of yellow tissue was significantly larger in the SG (t=0.020 at day 7 and t=0.45 at day 14; 75.2% at baseline, 16.5% at 28 days) than in the CG (80.2% at baseline, 34.5% at 28 days). Pain reduction was faster and better in the SG (visual analogue scale [VAS] 1.30) at 28 days than in the CG (VAS 3.20). Conclusions: Both cellulose-based dressings were found to be successful in wound cleansing. Pain reduction was faster and better in the SG, contributing to an improved quality of life. Conflict of interest: This study was supported by Lohmann & Rauscher GmbH.