Compression Therapy in Dermatology

Abstract

The benefit of lower limb compression therapy is not limited to chronic venous insufficiency or/and lymphoedema. Thanks to its anti-edema and anti-inflammatory effects, compression therapy is considered a beneficial adjuvant therapy to treat atypical wounds, inflammatory dermatoses, cellulitis, and traumatic wounds in the absence of contraindications. Strict contraindications are limited to severe peripheral arterial disease and decompensated heart failure. The variability of commercially available compression materials and systems, such as short-stretch bandages, multi-component systems, zinc oxide bandages, medical adaptive compression systems, ulcer compression stockings or medical compression stockings, facilitates the adaptation of compression therapy to the individual needs of each patient. Compared to venous leg ulcers, low pressures of 20mmHg are often sufficient to treat dermatological disorders, with higher patient tolerance and compliance.

Keywords: Atypical wounds; Bota de Unna; Celulitis; Compresión; Compression; Compression bandage; Compression stocking; Compression therapy; Dermatosis inflamatorias; Erysipelas; Heart failure; Heridas atípicas; Inflammatory dermatoses; Insuficiencia cardíaca; Media de compresión; Multi-component system; Sistema multicomponente; Terapia compresiva; Unna boot; Vendaje compresivo.