What is a compression garment in wound care?
Compression garments are medical devices that are specially designed to exert homogeneous and continuous pressure on weakened skin after a wound, burn or surgery. Unlike a conventional garment, they maintain therapeutic compression that promotes circulation, reduces oedema and accompanies the healing process.
In the case of severe burns, they are particularly indicated after the initial healing phase. Their role is to gradually reshape the scar tissue, limit the risk of hypertrophic or keloid scars and improve the suppleness and elasticity of the repaired skin.
Why use compression garments after a burn or surgery?
After a severe burn or a large wound, healing can be irregular and give way to thick, red and painful scars. Compression garments exert constant pressure that helps to flatten and soften scar tissue. This compression reduces excessive blood flow to the scar area, which limits the formation of fibrous tissue responsible for hypertrophic scarring.
They also help reduce the itching, pain and skin hypersensitivity often experienced after a burn. By reducing oedema and improving the quality of healing, they facilitate the resumption of daily activities and improve the patient's comfort of life.
The role of compression garments in burn victims
In burn patients, wearing compression garments is an integral part of the rehabilitation and healing treatment. These garments must be worn almost continuously, sometimes for up to 23 hours a day, for several months, or even one to two years depending on the extent and severity of the burns.
They not only improve the aesthetic appearance of scars, but also prevent functional complications. By maintaining constant pressure, they avoid skin retractions that can limit joint mobility and lead to difficulties in daily life. They therefore play a medical, functional and psychological role in the management of severe burns.
How to choose and use a compression garment for scars?
The choice of a compression garment should always be personalized. There are standard models, but in many cases, especially for burn victims, the garments are custom-made to perfectly fit the patient's morphology and ensure homogeneous compression over the entire scar area.
The adaptation is carried out by a specialized health professional, who adjusts the pressure according to the skin tolerance and the evolution of healing. Wear should be regular and prolonged, with frequent checks to check the effectiveness and avoid discomfort.
Maintenance and follow-up of compression garments
Compression garments must be cared for with care, as they are worn for many hours every day. Daily washing is often recommended, by hand or in the machine at a low temperature with a mild soap. Drying should be done in the open air, away from direct heat sources, to preserve the elasticity of the fibers. It is also important to replace clothing regularly, as the effectiveness of compression decreases with wear.
Regular medical follow-up is essential. Healthcare professionals adjust the prescription and the duration of wear according to the evolution of healing, skin tolerance and patient comfort.
