The 5 Best Unna Boots [Ranked]
Venous health issues such as venous ulcers and other venous deficiencies need a specialized touch when it comes to treatment.
These illnesses can be severe if left untreated and can even become life-threatening. An effective treatment technique is the use of an Unna boot (Source).
They have, over time, proven to be reliable tools, helping treat venous problems, Edema as well as burns.
Unna boots have been designed to offer protection as the wound heals while keeping the site of the wound itch-free and moist.
While it may sound like an apparatus to be worn, the boot is actually a specialized gauze prepared with cotton and containing zinc oxide adhesive.
It helps to minimize irritability and itching of the skin hence increasing comfort. By putting on this boot dressing, the swelling is reduced and allows the area to heal (Source).
Contents
Comparing Them
- LEG WRAP: Treating leg ulcers, vascular issues, swelling, and more, may require the use of an Unna Boot. This gauze dressing, also known as a soft cast, provides customized compression of the area.
![4' Unna Boot Bandage Gauze Dressing with Zinc Oxide [4” x 10 Yards] Provides Customized Compression + Self Adhesive Cover Wrap (3 of Each) Individually Packaged + Vakly 1st Aid Kit Guide](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417nPN8vgmL.jpg)
- Pack contains a top selling 4 inch Unna boot bandage item 4 inch cohesive bandage plus 1 Vakly guide for how to build your own custom first aid kit.
- LEG WRAP: Treating leg ulcers, vascular issues, swelling, and more, may require the use of an Unna Boot. This gauze dressing, also known as a soft cast, provides customized compression of the area.
- Ultimate comfort and care: This special non-raveling gauze bandage (also called a Unna Boot) is used for the treatment of open wounds or ulcers, conforms easily to foot or leg
- Ultimate comfort and care: This special non-raveling gauze bandage (also called a Unna Boot) is used for the treatment of open wounds or ulcers, conforms easily to foot or leg
Buying Guide
Wound Type
The best kind of Unna boot dressing for you is influenced by the type of wound being cured. If the wound has significant drainage, it will require you to change the dressing every day, which you won't like. Hence, you should consider a boot dressing that does not need constant change, which will be more cost-effective.
Also, if you have a physically active lifestyle, you should go for an Unna boot compression system that utilizes intertwining Velcro bands to offer a modifiable fit. Most of these dressings are machine cleanable and recyclable without losing their effectiveness over time.
Calamine?
Another thing to consider is whether you need calamine in your boot. Calamine is effective in alleviating pain, itching, and skin irritation. Ask your doctor about whether calamine is indicated. Many customers admit seeing much improved results with the Unna boot + the calamine than just wrapping with ace bandages, antibiotic cream, and moisturizer.
More Details
- LEG WRAP: Treating leg ulcers, vascular issues, swelling, and more, may require the use of an Unna Boot. This gauze dressing, also known as a soft cast, provides customized compression of the area.
The Unna boot is made by enfolding layers of gauze around the foot and leg. It was named after the German physician and dermatologist known as Paul Unna Gerson and is generally designed with cotton and zinc oxide paste. The gauze is placed when wet and dries to form a semi-rigid frame against the skin.
However, it still allows the unrestricted motion of the ankle joint. The zinc oxide paste is useful in keeping the place moist and helps to ease skin irritation. The zinc is also helpful in promoting quicker curing in the wound, making it expedient for ulcers and burns treatment. Zinc oxide does not cake or harden wounds; hence more superior to gelatins used in other dressings. Some boots might contain glycerin and calamine lotion.
The dressing's compression is essential in improving blood flow to your lower leg while also reducing pain and swelling. An Unna boot is most used in protecting an open would or an ulcer such as the venous stasis ulcers. It can also be used for strains and sprains of the ankle, foot, and the lower leg.
The victim might require to wear the boot for several weeks until the wound heals. The boot offers strenuous compression in the course of muscle contraction and lesser firmness at relaxation for improved patient's comfortability.
Unna Boot Application
The first step of Unna boot application and dressing is cleaning the wound.
First, ensure you clean the wound thoroughly and apply all the necessary medications and ointments. You will then need to angle the patient's foot to ninety degrees.
This will ensure that the Unna boot does not become loose or bunch after application. It's also important to keep in mind that the patient will wear the application for about a week and should thus plan accordingly.
Start with the foot and wrap the Unna boot up to the patient's knee. The application should be applied up to the knee and should never be halted mid-calf.
This allows the swelling to comfortably occur as most patients might experience swelling at some point.
Appropriate zinc oxide paste application is vital while ensuring that the zinc oxide paste bandage does not get wrapped too tightly. The recommended way is leaving some space, such that the patient can comfortably move around when necessary. Unna boot application is meant for active patients who regularly move, so keep this in mind when making the application.
Length of Usage
The uses of Unna boot varies, and so does the possible length of use. When it comes to taking care of a wound, the primary goal is to keep the wound as clean as possible and heal quickly. Unna boot contains a zinc oxide paste that allows this to happen.
Typically, a single application can last for up to seven days. However, this is only an estimate. If the wound starts to leak and soils the zinc oxide paste dressing, it's essential to change it immediately. It would help if you also remembered that the boot dressing should not come into contact with water or get wet; otherwise, it will need to be removed and replaced.
If you wish to bathe or shower, you will need to cover the Unna Boot application, preferably using plastic completely. Health providers should communicate with their patients on the length of using the boot to keep things clear in terms of the length of wound care and the use of the zinc oxide bandage.
Side Effects
Besides helping your wound heal faster, zinc oxide Unna boot might cause some unwanted side effects.
According to the FDA, while not all of these side effects might occur, if you experience them, you might require to seek medical attention. Some of the possible side effects that should make you remove the boot and seek immediate medical care include; your leg itches and feels warm, swelling below or above your boot; your toes feel numb, tingle or change color and if the boot causes pain in your leg or foot when you walk.
However, some side effects may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. In any case, consult your health care professional about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects.
