- #Are sequential compression devices used for edema how to#
- #Are sequential compression devices used for edema skin#
Recommendation 8: “We suggest considering that, according to the Law of Laplace, the local pressure below the compression material may be higher than expected at bony and tendinous prominences such as above ankles, the tibia, the fibular head or above tendons such as the Achilles tendon, and to check those locations for skin lesions due to pressure”.
#Are sequential compression devices used for edema how to#
How to avoid pressure injuries in risk areas? lateral pressure on toes with interdigital maceration), we suggest a modification of compression”.įor example, medical compression stocking with open toe or adjustable velcro devices. Recommendation 7: “If the compression application or material is suspected to contribute to the infection (e.g. In other cases of systemic symptoms and severe local wound and tissue infection, the decision on the further treatment, including also medical compression, should be individualised on the basis of the local and general patient condition evaluation”. In patients with systemic symptoms (fever, chills), erysipelas or cellulitis, we recommend that systemic treatment should be given. Recommendation 6: “In patients with bacterial or fungal infection beneath the compression device, we recommend considering treatment with topical antiseptics or topical antimicrobiological medication.
Can I use compression in cases of local wound infection? What if the infection is systemic? Recommendation 5: “In patients with, or in those developing, forefoot or toe oedema when wearing compression, we suggest considering forefoot and toe bandaging or forefoot and toe compression pieces in addition to leg compression with a foot piece”. How to control the edema in the forefoot and toes? Recommendation 4: “In patients with discomfort and/or pain below compression garments, we recommend checking the correct indication, pressure level, material, fitting or bandage techniques as well as the correct donning and doffing”. How do you make compression therapy comfortable for the patient? Recommendation 3: “To prevent allergic skin reactions due to compression devices, we suggest avoiding potentially allergenic substances and dyes in compression materials”. Although allergic reactions to materials used in compression devices are rare, how can they be avoided? The control of stasis eczema with corticoids and zinc oxide, use of emollients, adequate padding and the use of protective skin tissues directly on the skin under the compression devices are our best strategy in the clinical practice. Recommendation 2: “We recommend using adequate skin care to prevent skin irritation in patients with sensitive skin”. How to control skin irritation and “marks” associated with compressive therapy? Contraindications for compression treatment must be considered to limit the risk of side effects”.
Recommendation 1: “We recommend that every patient receiving compression therapy should be screened for conditions that increase the risk of complications, and every compression device should be checked for appropriate fit and application. How to prevent adverse events secondary to compression therapy? Exceptionally, severe injuries, such as nerve damage or soft tissue involvement, such as necrosis, have been reported. With the data obtained, 15 SUPERexperts have agreed on 21 recommendations regarding contraindications to compression therapy and strategies to reduce the risk of adverse events.īefore moving to the recommendations, I would like to emphasize that, in this review, the adverse eventsmost frequently associated with compression therapy are skin irritation, discomfort and pain. This is a critical review, up to November 2017, including 62 publications on adverse events associated with compression.
There’s a big news flash! A very relevant consensus document on compression therapyhas just been published: Risks and contraindications of medical compression treatment – A critical reappraisal.