A study of the Unna Boot compared with the elastic bandage in venous ulcers: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the process of tissue repair in patients with venous ulcers using inelastic compression therapy (the Unna Boot), in comparison with the use of the elastic bandage. METHOD: a controlled randomized clinical trial in which the patients (n=18) were allocated to two groups, those who used the Unna Boot (group B) and those who used the elastic bandage (group A). The study's follow-up period was 13 weeks. RESULTS: a significant reduction took place, at the level of 5%, in the area, in square centimeters, of the ulcers of group B (p<0.0001) throughout the treatment, and there was a tendency of group A for reduction in the area of the ulcer, in centimeters squared (p=0.06), only after the fifth week. CONCLUSION: the treatment with the Unna Boot presented better results in venous ulcers with areas over 10cm², and the elastic bandage with Petrolatum(r) gauze in venous ulcers below 10cm². Brazilian Clinical Trials Register: Trial (req: 195) and WHO UTN U1111-1122-5489.