Use of topical valsartan as a novel treatment for complicated leg ulcers.

Dear Editor, Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are painful and recalcitrant to therapy and represent a significant burden on patients' quality of life and society.[1] Therefore, innovative therapies are needed. GLO:F03/01may20:bjd18743-fig-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): (a-c) Patient 1, with a right anterior leg ulcer, (a) before starting topical valsartan application, (b) 2 months after treatment and (c) 3 months after treatment. In diabetic aged mice and diabetic pigs, topical valsartan 1% gel significantly accelerated wound healing by selective blockage of AT1.[2] It has been suggested that systemic AT1 receptor blockers impair fibroblast migration and delay wound healing.[7] Therefore, topical treatment is a promising therapy, especially in patients receiving oral valsartan for their hypertension. [Extracted from the article]