Discharge Instructions: Unna Boot

You will be going home with an Unna boot in place. An Unna boot is a dressing and wrap combination that is applied from your foot to your knee. An Unna boot has a special medicine in the gauze that will help heal burns or skin sores and protect new skin. There are 2 kinds of bandages. A white bandage is changed every 7 to 10 days. You will need to visit your doctor to have the Unna boot changed. Here is what you need to know about home care.

Home care

• Remember, it is normal to have some drainage from the Unna boot dressing. Do not be alarmed if the drainage smells bad. The dressing pulls drainage from the wound into the dressing. The odor you smell is from the dressing, not the wound.

• Do not get your Unna boot wet.

  • Take a sponge bath to avoid getting your Unna boot wet, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

  • Ask your provider when can you take a shower or bathe.

  • Ask your provider about the best way to keep your Unna boot dry when bathing or showering.

• Keep the rest of your skin clean.

• Every day, wash any other burns or sores not covered by a dressing.

• Avoid standing or sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes at a time.

• Keep your legs elevated as much as possible.

Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider, or as advised.