Compression therapy in dermatology

Abstract

SummaryCompression therapy is a conservative therapy that can be used in many patients with dermatological conditions, especially those associated with edema. In addition to its well‐established use in venous and lymphatic disorders, there is increasing evidence that compression therapy supports the healing of inflammatory dermatoses. The presence of edema, regardless of its etiology, is an indication for the use of compression therapy.Nowadays, a variety of materials and treatment options are available for compression therapy, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Often, compression therapy with low resting pressures is sufficient for effective therapy and is better tolerated by patients. The main contraindications to compression therapy are advanced peripheral arterial disease and decompensated heart failure.Individual factors and economic considerations should be taken into account when deciding on compression therapy with the patient. Patient self‐management should be encouraged whenever possible. This requires education and support tools.

Indications, contraindications, side effects, general assessment, and outlook for the future: An International Compression Club survey

“…15 Also, vasculitis was listed as an indication for CT confirming what was recently reported. 16–18 Cellulitis is also worth highlighting as some participants mentioned it as an indication of CT and some other participants as a contraindication for CT. This contrast reflects the change in indication that has occurred in recent years.…”

“…21,34–36 It could be that an arterial impairment with these values was considered as “advanced.” Also, concomitant dermatoses are considered a contraindication (absolute or relative) by 40% of our experts, while 22% are doubtful if considering these clinical conditions as contraindications. Currently, some dermatologists are applying CT in these clinical situations 18 and maybe dermatoses will be turned from contraindications to good indications as already happened for other contraindications when more studies will be published. 37…”