[A systematic analysis of the compression pressure in the compression therapy for scars in childhood with the help of the Kikuhime® pressure device].

INTRODUCTION

Burns and scalds are among the most common trauma in childhood and more often than not lead to hypertrophic scarring. Compression therapy is one of the main concepts in the prophylaxis and therapy for hypertrophic scars. However, the mode of action and the optimal pressure are still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of measuring the pressure under compression garments with a simple pressure measuring device.

METHODS

The pressure under the compression garments was measured with the Kikuhime®-Subbandage & Body Pressure Measuring Device.

RESULTS

(1) Patient's age or sex did not make any significant difference. (2) Mean detected pressure was 25.7 mmHg. (3) The mean pressure was as follows: upper limb: 27 mmHg, lower limb: 30 mmHg, thorax: 19 mmHg, abdomen: 21 mmHg, neck: 19 mmHg and face: 16 mmHg. (4) Long-term results showed a clear decrease in pressure (12.15 %) during a period of 8 weeks. (5) A compression that was incorrectly fitted or incorrectly measured led to significantly worse results.

CONCLUSION

Compression garments used in the therapy for hypertrophic scars must be individually fitted in order to guarantee a sufficient pressure of on average 26 mmHg. Incorrectly measured compression garments lead to the development of highly hypertrophic scars. Our results also showed that compression garments must be changed regularly because of the natural loss of pressure. Only an individual compression therapy can guarantee perfect cosmetic as well as surgical results.