How to Wrap an Unna's Boot
Unna's boots are commercially prepared, semirigid, impregnated gauze compression dressings that can be used to manage venous leg ulcers. To wrap an Unna's boot, follow these steps:
* Clean the patient's skin thoroughly, then flex the knee.
* With the foot positioned at a right angle to the leg, begin wrapping the medicated gauze bandage with a light tension (not tight) around the foot, starting at the base of the toes. Make sure the dressing covers the heel.
* Continue wrapping up toward the knee, overlapping each layer by half the width of the dressing. Every loop must be done at an angle to avoid compromising the circulation. Smooth and mold the bandage while wrapping.
* The wrap should stop about 1 inch below the knee. If constriction develops as the dressing hardens, make a 2-inch slit in it below the knee.
* If drainage is excessive, wrap the Unna's boot with gauze.
* Wrap the Unna's boot with an elastic bandage applied in a figure-8 pattern.
Source: Wound Care made Incredibly Easy!! Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2003.