Unna’s boot

In humans the treatment of skin lesions is mostly symptomatic. Pruritus is a common problem among SM-exposed veterans. A number of treatments like antihistamines, local anesthetics, and corticosteroids are prescribed in order to control pruritus in Iranian patients. When Unna s Boot (a gauze bandage impregnated with glycerine, zinc oxide, and calamine lotion) and betamethasone were compared for the treatment of pruritis, Unna s Boot showed better results (Shohrati et al, 2007a). SM-induced pruritis in chemical warfare-injured veterans was treated with phenol (1%) and menthol (1%), and this combination significantly reduced the pruritis in comparison to placebo (Panahi et al, 2007). 

Shohrati, M., Davoudi, M., Almasi, M., Sadr, B., Peyman, M. (2007a). Comparative study of Unna s Boot and betamethasone cream in the treatment of sulfur mustard-related pruritus. Cutan. Ocul. Toxicol. 26 303-9. 

A plaster type non-elastic bandage, Unna s boot is favoured in the USA. However, compression would be achieved by three-layer dressing that consists of Unna s boot, continuous gauze dressing followed by an outer layer of elastic wrap. It should be stressed that Unna s boot, being rigid, is uncomfortable to wear and medical professionals are unable to monitor the ulcers after the boot is applied. 

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