Objetivo: Descrever as redes sociais de portadores de lesão cutânea crônica. Método: Estudo qualitativo realizado através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com nove sujeitos portadores de lesões cutâneas crônicas no período de junho de 2016 a março de 2017; utilizou-se o referencial teórico metodológico de Rede Social de Lia Sanicola. Resultados: A análise dos mapas relacionais revelou que a rede primária era formada principalmente por familiares e vizinhos; suas características, como: tamanho reduzido, baixa densidade e poucas trocas/relacionamentos, confi gura fragilidade nesses vínculos. A rede secundária foi descrita essencialmente por serviços de saúde, e a enfermeira foi citada como formadora de vínculo no processo terapêutico. Considerações fi nais: Diante da fragilidade dos vínculos e do isolamento social, os profi ssionais da atenção primária à saúde são alicerces fundamentais para a construção de redes de apoio social e cuidado ao portador de lesão cutânea crônica.Objective: To describe the social networks of patients with chronic skin damages. Method: A qualitative study conducted through semistructured interviews with nine subjects with chronic skin lesions from June 2016 to March 2017; we used the theoretical-methodological framework of Lia Sanicola’s Social Network. Results: The analysis of the relational maps revealed that the primary network was formed mainly by relatives and neighbors; its characteristics, such as: reduced size, low density and few exchanges/relationships, confi gures fragility in these links. The secondary network was essentially described by health services, and the nurse was cited as a linker in the therapeutic process. Final considerations: Faced with the fragility of the links and social isolation, the primary health care professionals are fundamental foundations for the construction of networks of social support and care for patients with chronic skin lesions.Objective: To describe the social networks of patients with chronic skin damages. Method: A qualitative study conducted through semistructured interviews with nine subjects with chronic skin lesions from June 2016 to March 2017; we used the theoretical-methodological framework of Lia Sanicola’s Social Network. Results: The analysis of the relational maps revealed that the primary network was formed mainly by relatives and neighbors; its characteristics, such as: reduced size, low density and few exchanges/relationships, confi gures fragility in these links. The secondary network was essentially described by health services, and the nurse was cited as a linker in the therapeutic process. Final considerations: Faced with the fragility of the links and social isolation, the primary health care professionals are fundamental foundations for the construction of networks of social support and care for patients with chronic skin lesions. Descriptors: Leg Ulcer; Chronic Disease; Nursing Care; Social network; Primary Health Care
