Compression hosiery Resources

Although it may not attract as much attention as other medical areas, the pandemic has had a huge impact on wound care services with many traditional routes of practice compromised during life in lockdown. But, while this continues to add pressure on the nursing community, it also offers an opportunity to retain the recent step change in innovation to tackle backlogs and build back stronger.

The third in this four-part series about understanding compression explores the use of both compression hosiery and adjustable compression wraps. The case for early intervention, as well as the need to see compression as a lifelong treatment for those diagnosed with venous disease, are also discussed. In addition, the differences and similarities, advantages and limitations of compression hosiery stockings, two-layer compression hosiery kits and adjustable wraps will be deconstructed. 

Compression hosiery is the mainstay of maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence of symptoms for those with venous and lymphatic disorders. Choosing the right type of hosiery is essential to ensure that the garment meets the patient’s needs and to facilitate concordance. Resources such as the CHROSS checker tool can be valuable in the selection process. Adore® (L&R) is a European Class range of compression hosiery which is suitable for those with oedema and mild–moderate symptoms of venous disease. It was evaluated in University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust, yielding positive outcomes for all patients. It is effective in containing chronic oedema and, due to its sheen, will potentially facilitate concordance for those wishing to wear a more attractive garment.

Venous and lymphatic disease both result in skin changes to the lower limb. These range from early disease signs such as mild oedema and dry skin, to varicose veins, leg ulceration and chronic oedema in the later stages. Patients at all stages of disease progression are commonly encountered in the community and compression hosiery plays a key role in the prevention and management of skin changes.

The UK has an expanding elderly population, which means that in the future nurses and clinicians who work in community-based units, such as nursing homes and hospices, will increasingly encounter age-related conditions such as palliative oedema and mixed aetiology ulceration. This article looks at duomed soft®, (medi UK, Hereford) a new hosiery solution, which is not only easy to apply, making patient self-care more likely, but also provides consistent mild compression in a format that is more cosmetically acceptable to patients.

Helen Butterfield, Leg Ulcer/Dermatology Specialist Nurse, Oxford