Pressure treatment by means of Medical Z compression clothing as an auxiliary method in the treatment burn scars

Author(s): ANNA NOWAK-WRÓŻYNA, MAREK KAWECKI, JOANNA KIMLA, KATARZYNA BARCHAŃSKA-GĘDŹBA, JUSTYNA GLIK, MAŁGORZATA JAROSŁAWIECKA, MARIUSZ NOWAK

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of pressure treatment conducted by means of Medical Z compression clothing as an auxiliary method in the treatment of burn scars and cheloids. The innovation behind the products examined stems from the fabrics used that are endowed with thermoregulating properties and are soft and sensitive so as to augment the comfort of wearing compression clothes and do not cause skin irritation. The material comprised 20 patients hospitalized in the Rehabilitation Ward in Burn Treatment Center over the period 2006-2007. The group examined was composed of 18 men and 2 women aged 18 to 50 years affected by thermal burn of the IIa/IIb° and III° degrees with the surface of 2% to 60% TBSA. Patients wore individually tailored Medical Z compression clothing. The fabric warranted the pressure within the range 17-24 mmHg, evinced good ventilation properties and caused no irritation of the skin. Patients wore the clothing 20-24 hrs daily. At the outset of the therapy the patients required 1-2 weeks’ period of adaptation that consisted in gradual elongation of the time the clothing was worn. The surveillance period lasted for 5 to 12 months. Results: In all patients upon the application of Medical Z compression clothing improvement was detected in the treatment scar of hypertrophic scars manifest in coloration change (scar of paler hue), flattening and augmented elasticity evident in increased articulation mobility. Conclusions: 1. The examined patients who applied Medical Z compression clothing were found to show a considerable improvement of the scar appearance.