Enhanced Healing of Surgical Wounds of the Lower Leg Using Weekly Zinc Oxide Compression Dressings

Abstract

Management of lower extremity wounds after Mohs micrographic surgery can pose a challenge to the surgeon. Postoperative reactive edema and inflammation can lead to a painful and protracted healing course. Unna boots deliver zinc oxide to the wound bed and surrounding skin while providing compression and occlusion of the wound. To evaluate the utility of weekly Unna boot therapy in decreasing postoperative edema, inflammation, and morbidity; minimizing postoperative wound care; and improving the rate of wound healing in patients with lower leg surgical defects. Ten patients (6 men, 4 women) aged 72 to 91 with postoperative defects on the distal lower extremity were treated with weekly Unna boots until wounds had sufficiently granulated or re-epithelialized. In all 10 patients, weekly Unna boot therapy was well tolerated, with high satisfaction levels relating to minimal postoperative wound care, rapid granulation, minimal pain, and excellent esthetic outcome of postoperative wounds. No infections or other complications were noted during the healing process. LIMITATIONS This was not a randomized, controlled trial. In patients with postoperative wounds of the lower leg, weekly Unna boots significantly improve the healing process, decrease postoperative pain, and minimize wound care.