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What is the Purpose of Compression Bandages on Burn Victims

Serious burns, such as third-degree burns, require special treatment at a hospital to minimize the risk of infection and to protect the patient from other potentially lethal complications. Compression bandages, dressings or garments are often used to treat serious burns.

  1. Function

    • Bandages help protect the burned area from infection, reduce the loss of heat and moisture from the skin, reduce the sensitivity from air touching the burned area, keep the affected area in a proper position for healing, and collect the drainage from the wounded/burned area.

    Types

    • Different types of compression garments or bandages are used for burn patients, including ace wraps or elastic bandages, which are worn over dressings and when garments are being laundered; tubular elastic bandages worn over limbs; pre-fabricated garments such as sleeves, pants, gloves and chin straps; and custom made garments.

    Significance

    • Deep burns remove the pressure of the outermost layer of skin, and compression bandages or garments provide the missing pressure and help prevent extreme scarring. This type of scarring is known as hypertrophic scarring, and compression garments are used once scar tissue begins to form.

    Time Frame

    • Compression garments and bandages must be worn 23 hours a day in order to be effective, removed only for bathing and dressing changes. They must be worn until scars are mature, typically a period of six months to two years.

    Considerations

    • To care for compression garments/bandages, launder them in mild detergent and rinse thoroughly, by hand, and hang or lay flat to dry. Wear elastic bandages while the garments are being washed, as constant pressure must be put on the burns to avoid raised, thick scars.

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