Selection of compression bandages.

Zinc paste bandages are the most unyielding bandages. In an applied state they produce semi-rigid bandages which exert the greatest resistance against the active musculature of all bandaging materials. Thus they unfold an intensive working pressure into the areas of deep veins, which has a fast decongestive effect. Therefore the zinc paste bandage is indicated primarily during the acute phase for fast mobilization of edema fluid.

So-called short-stretch conforming bandages also develop a very high working pressure. Due to their relatively low extensibility they produce tight compression in the bandage. Bandaging with short-stretch bandages are used to initiate and continue treatment, e.g. until complete decongestion or until healing of the ulcer.

On the other hand, very elastic long-stretch bandages are not suitable for compression bandaging on venous leg disorders or ulcer treatment. They exert a relatively low working pressure which influences only surface venous areas, but have a high resting pressure, which in the absence of muscular movement can lead to unwanted compression of tiny blood vessels in the skin.

Working pressure:

• Resistance which the bandage exerts against the musculature during movement.
• Is higher the more unyielding the bandaging material being used is.

Resting pressure:

• Effects of a compression bandage on the leg or skin tissue without movement of the extremity taking place.
• The more elastic a bandaging material is, the higher the resting pressure is because highly elastic material attempts to contract when relieved.