This document is the product of a multidisciplinary workshop held in November 1991 between the audit subcommittee of the British Association of Dermatologists and the Research Unit of the Royal College of Physicians. Participants included dermatologists, vascular surgeons, general practitioners, community nurses and physicians involved in care of the elderly. The text is based on papers submitted to, and presented and discussed at, the workshop, and on comments received in response to subsequent wide dissemination of the proceedings to speciality associations. Participants in the workshop, and contributors to the guidelines are: Dr B. R. Allen (Nottingham), Sister S. Bainsborough (Exeter), Professor K. Burnand (London), Professor D. Burrows (Belfast), Mr M. J. Callam (Bedford), Dr G. W. Cherry (Oxford), Dr R. P. R. Dawber (Oxford), Dr W. S. Douglas (Airdrie), Dr A. Y. Finlay (Cardiff), Dr D. Gawkrodger (Sheffield), Dr D. J. Gould (Truro), Dr A. Hopkins (Royal College of Physicians, London), Dr D. McGibbon (London), Dr A. M. Middleton (London), Dr L. Millard (Nottingham), Dr L. Rhodes (Liverpool), Professor T. J. Ryan (Oxford), Dr N. B. Simpson (Newcastle), Dr F. D. Skerrett (Fowey), Dr J. M. Sowden (Nottingham), Miss L. A. Stone (London), Dr R. Williams (Rhyl). Papers presented to the workshop (copies available from the Royal College of Physicians of London): 1. Callam M. J. Epidemiology, natural history and rate of recurrence of leg ulcers. 2. Ryan T. J. Pathology of venous leg ulcers. 3. Gould D. J. Assessment of severity; process and outcomes of care. 4. Millard L. The role of infection. 5. Cherry G. Treatment of known effectiveness. 6. Burnand K. Indications for surgical treatment.