Lower leg ulcers, most commonly venous ulcers, are often treated with oral antibiotics even in
the absence of evidence of clinical infection. There is no evidence to support this use, except if screening for carriage of multi-resistant organisms.
Also a swab for microscopy and culture in the absence of signs of infection is not
recommended. Unnecessary antibiotics and swabbing will lead to increased risk of
antimicrobial resistance and patient allergy, and add to healthcare costs.