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Unna Boot Dressing Uses

Paul Gerson Unna was a German dermatologist practicing during the late 1800's. His work caring for patients with skin problems led to the the use of zinc oxide and other ingredients to form a paste. This along with bandage and compression materials create the Unna boot. Medical professionals use the dressing to treat ulcers on the lower extremities and other skin and soft-tissue maladies.

  1. Venous or Stasis Ulcers

    • Compromised venous blood flow frequently causes ulcerations of the skin in the lower extremities. These stasis or venous ulcers occur just above or on the ankle area of the leg. Symptoms begin with swelling and pain with standing and discoloration of the skin. The ulcer typically enlarges, if untreated, while exuding small to moderate amounts of clear, serous fluid. Treatment consists of cleaning the wound area, applying the Unna Boot paste, covering with an elastic dressing and applying more paste over that. The material hardens to a leathery consistency and is kekpt in place for up to one week before removing and reevaluating the ulcer. Typically, healing of recently acquired venous wounds occurs within several application. Chronic wounds take longer to heal and in certain instances, a physician must perform corrective surgery. (

    Ligament Sprain Injury of the Ankle

    • An emergency room practitioner writing for the Western Journal of Medicine in 2003 recommended treatment of non-severe ligamentous injuries of the ankle using the Unna boot . The treatment was considered as effective as using a plaster or Fiberglas cast, and Unna boots are more economical and less time-consuming to apply. The leathery character of the fully-dried Unna boot also offered better outcomes than merely wrapping with elastic bandages; such wrappings offered little support, led to minimization of the injury and, often, re-injury of the affected area.

    Lymphedema

    • Unna boots, or a dressing with similar properties of compression, help to manage lymphatic edema without the presence of an open wound. In this condition, the lymphatic circulation has been impaired and causes swelling within the tissues. This usually occurs in the region of an arm or leg. By using a compression dressing over the affected area along with other therapies, the lymphedema is diverted from that area back into the lymphatic circulation. Be alert for any signs of infection to an area of lymphedema, typically pain, redness and heat.

    Pyoderma Gangrenosum Lesions

    • This uncommon lesion usually occurs on the legs and is associated with other autoimmune disorders. Classic signs are a deep ulceration with a purplish border which hangs over the ulcer bed. Complete healing can take months and the condition may recur, but using an Unna boot to protect the skin from trauma may prevent a recurrence. Small ulcers along with swollen legs are best treated with an Unna Boot or other special dressing which includes compression bandaging.

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