Effectiveness of Custom Pressure Garment Therapy

Important findings from 12-year study of pressure garment therapy for reducing scarring after burn injury.

Researchers at the University of Washington Burn Injury Model System published a landmark study on the usefulness of pressure garments for reducing the thickness of burn scars. Pressure garment therapy involves the use of custom-fit elastic garments that apply pressure to healed burn wounds and are typically worn 23 hours/day for up to 1 to 2 years after injury. They require a doctor¹s prescription and are often uncomfortable and inconvenient to wear. Until now, there has been very little research on their effectiveness. This study took over 12 years to complete. The researchers report that pressure garment therapy is beneficial, but only for patients with moderate or severe scarring. Recommendations for how and when to use pressure garment therapy are also included in the article, published in the journal Burn. (Engrav LH et al. 12-Year Within-Wound Study of the Effectiveness of Custom Pressure Garment Therapy. Burns 36 (2010), 975-983.)

Blog post submitted by Gretchen J Carrougher RN, MN from the UW Burn Injury Model System, http://depts.washington.edu/uwnidrr/