How to Change an Unna Boot on an Ulcer

If you suffer from venous leg ulcers, your doctor may recommend you wear an Unna boot. This is a special kind of firm gauze bandage that is wrapped around the leg and foot, applying pressure to the inflamed leg and healing any open sores. The bandage is composed of zinc oxide tape, gauze, glycerine and calamine lotion. To ensure proper healing, careful maintenance of the Unna boot is necessary. Change your Unna boot every 7-10 days.

Things You'll Need

• Unna boot
• Bandage scissors

Instructions

1. To remove the old Unna boot, first peel off the elastic bandage that kept the Unna boot in place.

2. Carefully cut through the hardened gauze of the Unna boot with bandage scissors.

3. Thoroughly wash and dry the exposed leg. If the ulcer is bleeding or significantly swollen, contact your physician.

4. Wrap the gauze of the Unna boot around the leg, beginning with the foot and ending below the knee. Overlap the gauze one-half the width of the previous wrap. The cast will dry in 45-60 minutes.

5. Wrap an ACE bandage or similar elastic bandage around the leg to keep the Unna boot in place.

References

• Ulcer Treatments
• Unna Boot