About Unna Boots

QUESTION: Could you tell me something about Unna Boots? I have varicose
ulcers, and have to have my legs bandaged every week. Now my legs are weeping
some and my doctor says there is nothing more he can do. I haven't had my
shoes on in months. Is there something you can suggest?
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ANSWER: When varicose veins fail to return the blood towards the heart as they
normally do, a condition known as Stasis Dermatitis may occur in the ankle.
The skin turns brown, becomes scaly and itchy and frequently develops
ulcerations as in your case. Both local therapy as well as elevating the leg
above the heart several times a day, to increase blood flow, are necessary
parts of a total treatment. The Zinc gelatin in the Unna's paste boot is
frequently used with considerable success to treat this condition, but it is a
bit messy to deal with. Of late, the Unna boot is being replaced by more
costly, but more effective, new absorptive colloid dressings used under
elastic support. These dressings may require changing every 2 to 3 days in
the beginning, but as the ulcer heals and the situation improves, you should
be able to return to your weekly routine. Once the ulcers are controlled, you
will still have to maintain an elastic dressing on your ankles to prevent the
recurrence of the ulcers. These dressings should be applied in the morning
while you are still in bed. That means that the swelling that accompanies
this condition will be at its minimum after a night with your legs elevated,
and the elastic support can be truly effective.