What is a Unna boot used for?
The Unna boot is a compressive dressing used in the treatment of venous stasis ulcers (Fig. 26.12). The gauze is applied wet, similar to a cast, and dries to form a semirigid mold against the skin. Unlike a cast, it allows for unrestricted motion of the ankle joint.
How long should Unna boots be left on?
An Unna Boot can be left on for up to 7 days before it needs to be changed. Patients usually return to the clinic to have their boot changed once or twice per week until the wound or ulcer has healed.
What kind of dressing is an Unna boot?
An Unna boot is a compression dressing made by wrapping layers of gauze around your leg and foot. It is often used to protect an ulcer or open wound. The compression of the dressing helps improve blood flow in your lower leg. Compression also helps decrease swelling and pain.
Are Unna boots effective?
According to studies, the use of the Unna Boot is effective in promoting the satisfaction related to minimum wound care, rapid development of granulation tissue, improvement in comfort and cost savings compared with similar compressions.
Can zinc oxide be used on open wounds?
Final Notes Clinically, zinc oxide keeps wounds moist and clean while facilitating wound healing. After cleansing of the wound with saline (along with indicated debridement), one may apply zinc oxide onto the wound in a thick layer followed by a non-adherent dressing or gauze.
How do I remove an Unna boot?
The Unna boot is removed by unwinding or cutting it with bandage scissors.
What is Unna boot made of?
The boot consists of a low compression gauze bandage (18-24 mmHg) containing 10% zinc oxide paste, gelatin, glycerin and water. It was invented in 1896 by the German dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna.
What is an Unna boot?
An Unna boot is a compression dressing made by wrapping layers of gauze around your leg and foot. It is often used to protect an ulcer or open wound.
How often does Unna boot application occur?
Unna boot application occurs once to twice a week. This means less wound care and less patient anxiety. In some instances when patients cannot tend to wounds on their own Unna boot application could be very useful.
What are the benefits of Unna’s boots for wound care nurses?
As a wound or foot care nurse, you’ll encounter a variety of ailments requiring specialized treatment. For patients with chronic swelling due to edema or venous disease in the lower extremity, an Unna’s boot could help drain fluids, reduce pressure and pain, increase blood flow and encourage skin health and wound healing.
How do I apply Unna boot dressing?
The first step in applying an Unna boot dressing is to clean the wound. Ensure the wound is completely cleaned and that any necessary ointments or medications have been applied. The patient’s foot will then need to be angled to 90 degrees. This ensures that the Unna boot application doesn’t bunch or become loose after it is applied.