Pressure Garments for Burn Management
An unfortunate side effect common to burn wounds is permanent damage due to scarring. When a burn damages your skin, collagen will grow ten times faster than usual, potentially resulting in raised skin, redness, scarring, or worse. Already having done enough to your body, a burn injury permanently changing your appearance – or even leading to further damage (like burn contracture) – can also take a toll on your confidence and self-esteem.
But the story doesn’t have to end there.
In an attempt to counter skin damage and scarring from burn trauma, burn garments have improved the healing process and outcome for plenty of recovering burn victims, no matter the area or degree of the injury.
What are pressure garments for burn management?
Burn garments contain soft tissue that ensures pressure is consistently and evenly distributed on skin wounded by a burn injury. Also known as burn clothing or pressure garments, these bandages apply constant pressure on your skin, supporting optimal scar management as you heal and, therefore, improving your damaged skin’s overall look.
How do pressure garments help with burn recovery?
Pressure garments can reduce scarring after a skin injury by supporting the maturation of scars throughout your healing process. This happens by putting pressure on your damaged skin, requiring a tight fit for full effect.
When should pressure garments be worn after a burn injury?
Typically, pressure garments are worn as soon as burn wounds are healed enough and the skin is strong enough to handle pressure without harm.
What are the benefits of using pressure garments for burn scars?
The benefits of using pressure garments for burn scars include reducing hypertrophic scarring–thick, raised scars–and improving the overall appearance of your skin and the visibility of any scarring.
How long do pressure garments need to be worn?
Typically, compression garments must be worn almost 24/7, minus the time you need to wash your body or apply lotion. Depending on your genetics and the depth of your burn, it may take up to 2 years before your scars fully mature, after which you’re recommended to remove the garment.
Which material is mainly used for pressure garments for burns?
Pressure garments are made of elastic yet firm material that can apply enough pressure to realign and reduce the production of collagen fibers in your skin. If the fabric and pressure of the garment itself aren’t enough for a particular wound, then inserts (made of foam, felt, elastomer, etc.) or silicone gel sheets are applied to the wound in addition to the garment itself.
Burn Clothes
The designs of garments used for Pressure Garment Therapy (PGT) are diverse, providing precise pressure wherever your burn is located, allowing for flexibility and customization depending on the patient’s needs.
Different forms of burn clothing available include:
- Burn Bras
- Burn Suits
- Compression Gloves for Burns
- Compression Socks
- Full-Face Compression Garments
Types of Burn Garments
- Ace Wrap (elastic bandaging): provides pressure for burns located on your arms or legs
- Tubigrip (tubular bandages): provides light pressure
- Interim Care Garments: mass-produced bandaging for use until you receive your custom-fitted garment
- Custom Pressure Garments: made of nylon spandex and tailored to the patient’s measurements and injury
Compression Masks for Burns
Burn face masks use plastic to compress and tighten skin scars from aging. They are usually worn if the typical compression garment is unprofitable for the patient. Compression fabrics may have gaps that lead to hypertrophic scarring, so plastic is used instead.
How are pressure garments custom-fitted for burn patients?
The process for custom-fitting pressure garments for individual patients includes:
- Consultation with a burn specialist or physical therapist
- Measurements of the burn area(s) on the patient’s body
- Garment design based on measurements, fabric selection, pressure needed, and additional features
- Construction of garment fitted to the shape of the patient
- Initial fitting of the garment on the patient
- Follow-up appointments for monitoring fit and effectiveness
What materials are used in pressure garments for burns?
There are a range of materials available for pressure garment design and construction, including:
- Nylon
- Spandex
- Poly Cotton Blends
- Lycra
- Silicone Inserts
- Zippers
- Velcro
Can pressure garments be worn during physical activities?
Custom-fitted pressure garments should support your ability to perform physical activities, including:
- Supporting muscles and joints
- Improving blood flow
- Reducing muscle fatigue
How should pressure garments be cared for and maintained?
Here are some general tips for caring for and maintaining your pressure garment for effectiveness and longevity:
- Daily handwashing with mild soap
- Thorough rinsing and drying
- Regularly inspecting your garment for fit, wear and tear
- Rotate between multiple garments
- Avoid bleach
- Avoid exposing garments to direct sunlight
- Regularly replace garments every 2-3 months or as recommended by your specialist
Find Burn Wound Care to Help Your Healing Process
At Pongratz, we’re proud to offer patient-centered solutions for recovering burn victims, giving you an advantage against the life-altering effects of traumatic injury. Reach out to us today if you or a loved one could use not only a professional but a friend to help them along their journey to recovery.
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