Clinical impact of zinc oxide compression bandaging in chronic venous disease assessed with ultrasonography and trans-epidermal water loss – preliminary observations

What is it about?

Introduction: Chronic venous disease (CVD) affects lower extremities and can lead to serious complications, including venous ulcers. Despite its high prevalence, CVD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Compression therapy is essential in managing this condition, with the zinc oxide-based Unna boot providing both compression and anti-inflammatory effects. This study evaluates the Unna boot’s effectiveness in reducing lower limb oedema in CVD patients, using advanced non-invasive techniques such as high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study involving 10 patients with CVD (CEAP classification C3–C6). Participants received treatment with the Unna Boot for four weeks, with assessments at baseline, after treatment, and during follow-up. Key measurements included calf circumference, HFUS for subcutaneous changes, and TEWL to evaluate skin barrier integrity. The Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant reductions were observed in calf circumference (mean decrease of 18.69%, p<0.05) and subepidermal low echogenicity band (SLEB) thickness (mean decrease of 37.95%, p<0.05) after treatment. TEWL measurements showed no significant changes, likely due to external factors affecting the results. Conclusion: The Unna Boot effectively manages the lower limb oedema in CVD. HFUS provides objective assessments, while TEWL may not accurately reflect skin barrier changes. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and the Unna Boot’s applicability across different CVD stages.

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