Use of advanced elastomeric skin protectant on venous leg ulcer periwound skin

VLUs are associated with prolonged wound healing, high recurrence rates, and fragile periwound skin.

Skin protectant use with wound dressings and multilayer compression wraps was examined.

Deidentified retrospective patient data were assessed. Patients received endovenous ablation, followed by application of zinc barrier cream to periwound skin before wound dressing and multilayer compression wrap use. Dressings were changed every 7 days, and zinc barrier cream reapplied. After 3 weeks, advanced elastomeric skin protectant use was initiated due to periwound skin injury during zinc barrier cream removal. Topical wound dressing and compression wrap use was continued. Wound healing and periwound skin condition were monitored.

Five patients presented for care with medial ankle VLUs. Within 3 weeks of zinc barrier cream use, unwanted product buildup was noted and removal often led to epidermal stripping. Skin protectant use was changed to advanced elastomeric skin protectant. All patients showed periwound skin improvement. Epidermal stripping was not observed with advanced elastomeric skin protectant, and the product did not require removal.

In these 5 patients, advanced elastomeric skin protectant use under wound dressings and multilayer compression wraps resulted in improved periwound skin and reduced erythema compared with zinc barrier cream use.