Pressure garments are an essential tool in the burn scar management program, especially for deep burns requiring more than 3 weeks to heal. They apply continuous, even pressure on the scar, positively affecting the scar maturation process.
How Pressure Garments Work:
- Reducing blood flow: Continuous pressure reduces blood flow to the scar, limiting excess collagen production and preventing hypertrophy.
- Reorganizing collagen fibers: Pressure helps arrange fibers in an orderly rather than random pattern, improving scar flexibility and texture.
- Flattening the scar: Gradually reduces scar elevation over months.
When and How to Use:
Started after complete wound healing, worn 23 hours daily for 12-18 months or until scar maturation. Removed only for bathing and moisturizing. Must be tight-fitting but comfortable, replaced every 2-3 months or when elasticity is lost.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we provide custom-measured pressure garments for each patient, regularly monitoring fit especially for rapidly growing children.