Unna Boot Application: A Step-by-Step Guide for Wound Healing

The unna boot is a bandage that is used to treat ulcerated wounds such as on the legs. It is constructed to include zinc oxide and a gelatin mixed into a paste that is in ways similar to the plaster casts used for broken bones. This barrier prevents a patient who has an ulcerated wound from being able to scratch it and cause infections. The zinc oxide treats the wound and allows it to heal.

Instructions

• 1

  Wrap the unna boot starting underneath the patient's first metatarsal, which is roughly two inches from the tips of the toes.

• 2

  Continue to wrap the unna boot until it reaches the patient's tibial tubercle, which is one inch below the knee.

• 3

  Add a second layer of the unna boot bandage, in the same manner as in Steps 1 and 2.

• 4

  Apply an external compress wrapping on top of the unna boot and secure this with medical pins.

• 5

  Remove and reapply the unna boot bandaging every seven days until the wound has healed.