All about compression: A literature review.

Lower extremity ulcers represent a significant public health problem as they frequently progress to chronicity, significantly impact daily activities and comfort, and represent a huge financial burden to the patient and the health system. The aim of this review was to discuss the best approach for venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Online searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, and reference lists and official guidelines. Keywords considered for this review were VLU, leg ulcer, varicose ulcer, compressive therapy, compression, and stocking. A complete assessment of the patient's overall health should be performed by a trained practitioner, focusing on history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dietetic habits, medications, and practice of physical exercises, followed by a thorough assessment of both legs. Compressive therapy is the gold standard treatment for VLUs, and the ankle-brachial index should be measured in all patients before compression application.

A study of the Unna Boot compared with the elastic bandage in venous ulcers: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the process of tissue repair in patients with venous ulcers using inelastic compression therapy (the Unna Boot), in comparison with the use of the elastic bandage. METHOD: a controlled randomized clinical trial in which the patients (n=18) were allocated to two groups, those who used the Unna Boot (group B) and those who used the elastic bandage (group A). The study's follow-up period was 13 weeks. RESULTS: a significant reduction took place, at the level of 5%, in the area, in square centimeters, of the ulcers of group B (p<0.0001) throughout the treatment, and there was a tendency of group A for reduction in the area of the ulcer, in centimeters squared (p=0.06), only after the fifth week. CONCLUSION: the treatment with the Unna Boot presented better results in venous ulcers with areas over 10cm², and the elastic bandage with Petrolatum® gauze in venous ulcers below 10cm². Brazilian Clinical Trials Register: Trial (req: 195) and WHO UTN U1111-1122-5489.