Bandages Plus Blog
Your online resource for articles and information on lymphedema and associated conditions, treatments, and supplies.
EdemaWear®: A Game Changer
by DeLana Honaker PhD, OTR, CLT, FAOTA
In my search for a better alternative, I came across EdemaWear® Compression Stockinettes at BandagesPlus and have been using them with excellent results with my patients and even for myself and my friends. One the best features of EdemaWear® Compression Stockinettes is that it’s technology acts in a "shrink wrap" fashion, meaning that the stockinette shapes itself to the extremity's contours and provides continuous and consistent compression.
The condition of lymphorrhea, or "leaky legs", is characterized by a constant flow of interstitial fluid from an individual’s swollen edematous limb, where the volume of accumulated fluid in an affected limb exceeds it’s capacity to retain the fluid, resulting in gross swelling, blistering and leakage of the fluid onto the skin. The leaking fluid soils and saturates clothing, linens and wound dressings, while prolonged exposure to moisture from the fluid macerates the surrounding healthy skin, thereby exacerbating the existing situation. Additionally, the compromised skin provides a direct port of entry for infection which often leads to cellulitis, which requires treatment with antibiotics. Wound degradation creates several inflammatory stimulants that can adversely affect proper wound healing. And while debridement of the wound bed provides enhancement to overall wound healing, there are multiple challenges to effective debridement. The Debrisoft wound debridement and wound hygiene pads provide a clinically-proven safe, virtually painless and highly effective debridement alternative. by Robyn A (Redd) Smith, M.Ed., COTA/L, CLWT, CLT Owner: Life Rehabilitation, LC – Salt Lake City, Utah As lymphedema therapists, we know our patients don’t always follow the instructions we give them. Whether you call it compliance or adherence, we know that following the rules of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is paramount to successful outcomes. In my practice, I have seen wraps erroneously placed upside down, inside out, and backwards. One time, I saw all three errors at once. Improper donning can, not only slow down CDT progress, but, more importantly, be dangerous for the patient. I have spent years testing the top Velcro® wraps available in search of wraps that are “fool proof.” I finally found one a little over a year ago with BiaCare brand CompreFLEX LITE Compression Wraps from Sigvaris. Traditionally, compression bandaging has been used as the main component of the initial "intensive" phase of complete decongestive therapy, or "CDT", and is performed to reduce limb volume as part of a Lymphedema treatment program. While proven effective, the use of multi-layer compression bandaging has its drawbacks. The CircAid® Reduction Kit product line offers a unique and innovative alternative treatment method, focused on patient participation, understanding and compliance.
Compression has traditionally been the most effective treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), and while a variety of compression garments are widely available, most have significant disadvantages that inhibit patient use and compliance. Therefore, Sigvaris USA recently introduced the CoolFlex™ lower extremity compression wrap to address patient use and compliance issues, by combining the appropriate needed compression with ease of use, comfort, temperature control and aesthetic appeal.
Choosing the best compression bra for lymphedema or post-op can not only affect how you feel wearing it, but also how quickly you heal. We carry a large selection of comfortable, effective, and attractive compression bras, compression vests, compression tops, and compression camisoles that fit well and promote healing for lymphedema, post-op, and other medical conditions, and making the best decision for your particular needs can feel overwhelming. Therefore, we have created a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about compression bras which will hopefully help you in your product selection, decision-making process.
Hydrogel dressings are one the most widely used methods of dressing a wound. Made of roughly 90% water, hydrogels provide adequet moisture which can accelerate healing time. Initially, they were designed to help in regulating fluid exchanges on the surface of the wound.The Eclypse® Boot Superabsorbent Dressing: Solving the Challenge of "Leaky Legs" with Chronic Edema
Debrisoft® - Providing Effective Wound Bed Preparation For All
CompreFLEX LITE Compression Wraps®: Full proof and accurate compression
CircAid® Reduction Kits: A Better Alternative to Bandaging Sigvaris CoolFlex™ Compression Wraps: Improving Compliance for Patients who Cannot Wear Compression
Compression Bras And Garments for Lymphedema and Post-Op: FAQs About Compression Bras
How to Care for Wounds with Hydrogel Dressings