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Compression Therapy

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Local Wound Care for Dermatologists

Part of the book series: Updates in Clinical Dermatology ((UCD))

Abstract

Compression therapy is the primary treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs). In the outpatient clinic, dermatologists often use compression to treat CVI-related sequelae, such as varicose veins, edema, venous dermatitis, and lipodermatosclerosis. Various compression modalities are available, including stockings, elastic and inelastic bandages, pneumatic pumps, and specialized garments. The different compression systems have pros and cons that may make certain types of compression more or less appropriate depending on clinical and social factors. Patient compliance has historically been one of the biggest challenges with compression, and new devices have sought to make compression more comfortable and acceptable to patients. Finally, evidence is emerging for use of compression therapy in wounds other than VLUs and is well established for treatment of lymphedema. Thus, a thorough understanding of compression is important for all dermatologists and, in particular, those with an affinity for wound care.

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Abbreviations

4LB:

4-layer bandage

ABI:

Ankle-brachial index

CHF:

Congestive heart failure

CVI:

Chronic venous insufficiency

IPC:

Intermittent pneumatic compression

SSB:

Short-stretch bandage

VLU:

Venous leg ulcer

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Joshua S. Mervis

  2. Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Hadar Lev-Tov

Authors
  1. Joshua S. Mervis
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  2. Hadar Lev-Tov
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Correspondence to Hadar Lev-Tov .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Afsaneh Alavi

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

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Mervis, J.S., Lev-Tov, H. (2020). Compression Therapy. In: Alavi, A., Maibach, H. (eds) Local Wound Care for Dermatologists. Updates in Clinical Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28872-3_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28872-3_9

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