I. often encounter patients in outpatient clinics who anxiously ask, "Doctor, I used an elastic suit and elastic sleeve after the wound healed, why didn't it work? Scars are still growing badly." After examination, it was found that the elastic suit was loose. The patient thought that it was normal for the elastic suit to be tight at the beginning and become increasingly loose over time, but did not pay attention. So, when using stretch coats and elastic sleeves for scar treatment, attention should be paid to the following aspects.

The earlier you start using it, the better

Especially after the removal of wound sutures or wound healing, this stage is the most effective period for compression therapy, usually within six months to one year after wound healing. When using compression therapy, if there are wounds, blisters or other conditions on the surface of scars, the use can be temporarily stopped, or sterile dressings can be placed on the wound to continue pressure treatment.

2. The force of oppression should be appropriate

If the pressure is too low, it will not have a therapeutic effect. If the pressure is too high, it may cause venous reflux disorders, limb edema, and even more serious complications. During treatment, felt pads or gauze blocks should be added as padding to the depressed area to ensure even stress distribution. During the treatment process, if it is found that the pressure has decreased, timely adjustments need to be made. When performing compression therapy on the joints of the limbs, attention should be paid to joint movement, appropriate functional exercise should be carried out, and joint stiffness and other situations should be avoided.

3. Treatment should have a certain length of time

Due to the subjective discomfort and aesthetic impact when using compression therapy, a considerable number of patients cannot adhere to it, which affects the effectiveness of treatment. Premature cessation of compression therapy may lead to rebound scar hyperplasia. Therefore, it should be adhered to as much as possible, advocating continuous pressure for 24 hours a day, changing pads and cleaning the skin for no more than 30 minutes at a time, and the compression treatment time should not be less than 3 months, generally lasting for more than six months.

If you feel unbearable pressure, you can relax a little, but the time to stop should not be too long. Generally, compression therapy should be persisted for 3-6 months. After 8-12 months, most patients can stop the compression, but some patients need to continue using it for 2 years. Family members should encourage more and increase their determination to overcome scars.

4. Pay attention to scar fixation position

Scars on the front of the neck fix the neck in a supine position, scars on the side of the neck fix the neck in a flexed position towards the healthy side, scars on the wrist, elbow, and knee can fix the joints in an extended position, scars on the ankle can fix the joints in a neutral position, scars on the back of the hand should fix the metacarpophalangeal joints in a flexed 90 ° position, the thumb in an opposite palm position, and the fingers in an extended position.

5. Attention should be paid to the quality of elastic clothing and elastic sleeves

Purchases should be made from regular hospitals with customized or guaranteed product quality. Some products online are very cheap, and after washing them a few times, they become loose. It is not recommended to use them.