A study of the modelling and characterisation of compression garments for hypertrophic scarring after burns. Part 1: Modelling of compression garments

Abstract

Skin burns are usually caused by contact with fire, heat, electricity, light, radiation, hazardous chemicals and friction. The degree of the burn is classed based on the extent and depth of the burn. A third-degree burn is classed as a severe burn and compression therapy is universally accepted as the treatment to manage hypertrophic scarring caused after such burns. This paper describes the types of burns and the different types of treatments available and reviews the types of compression garments that are commercially available for the management of hypertrophic scarring after severe burns. The Laplace equation that is used to model a pattern-cutting chart has been refined to predict the sub-garment pressure more accurately, irrespective of the shape and size of the limb. This model's accuracy was further validated by constructing garments for the arms and legs of a male volunteer and measuring the actual pressures by using a Kikuhime pressure measuring device.