$Unique_ID{BRK00473} $Pretitle{} $Title{About Unna Boots} $Subject{ulcers varicose veins unna boot treatment treatments Circulatory Skin Stasis Dermatitis elevating leg Zinc gelatin absorptive colloid dressings elastic support ulcer ulceration ulcerations} $Volume{R-4, R-20} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. 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? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.