Venous cutdown

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Unna's boot is a special type of compression bandage that is used to treat venous stasis ulcers and other skin conditions of the lower leg. It is named after the German dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna, who specialized in treating skin diseases.

History[edit | edit source]

Paul Gerson Unna was a German dermatologist who lived from 1850 to 1929. He was known for his work in dermatopathology, and he developed the Unna's boot as a treatment for venous stasis ulcers and other skin conditions of the lower leg.

Composition[edit | edit source]

Unna's boot is made from a gauze bandage that is impregnated with a mixture of zinc oxide, gelatin, glycerin, and water. This mixture helps to keep the skin moist and promotes healing.

Application[edit | edit source]

The Unna's boot is applied to the lower leg, from the foot to just below the knee. It is usually left in place for one to two weeks, and then replaced. The compression provided by the bandage helps to reduce swelling and improve circulation, which can help to heal venous stasis ulcers.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Unna's boot is used to treat a variety of skin conditions of the lower leg, including:

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

While Unna's boot is generally safe and effective, it can cause side effects in some people. These can include:

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD