Evaluation of the Unna Boot for lower-extremity autograft burn wounds excoriated by pruritus in pediatric patients

Abstract

Six pediatric patients with lower-extremity excoriated autografts secondary to pruritus were treated randomly. Group 1 was treated with application of an Unna Boot that was changed every 7 days; Group 2 was treated with conventional dressing and antihistamines. Average time for complete wound closure was similar in the two groups: 32 days for group 1 versus 36 days for group 2. Treatment of group 1 cost $19.80/wk compared with $30.90/wk for treatment of group 2. The time for dressing change was 15 min/wk for group 1 and 3.5 hr/wk for group 2. The parents in group 1 gave their children better scores when asked about appetite, sleep, and play patterns.