A study of the modelling and characterisation of compression garments for hypertrophic scarring after burns. Part 2: Characterisation of compression garments

Abstract

Compression therapy is the universally accepted treatment for the management of hypertrophic scarring after severe burns. A review of the type of treatments for burns and type of compression garments commercially available is discussed in Part 1 of this paper (Anand, Kanchi Govarthanam, & Gazioglu, in press). A refined model was also designed to predict the sub-garment pressure more accurately, irrespective of the shape and size of the limb (see Part 1, in press). The thermophysiological properties of the compression garment provide comfort by preserving body temperature and moisture output close to their normal levels. In this study, the dimensional, mechanical and thermophysiological properties of four fabrics procured from different sources were thoroughly studied and compared. The study was aimed at the determination of their suitability to be utilised for the management of hypertrophic scarring. It was established that one of the fabrics investigated possessed superior properties in comparison to the other three fabrics. It was also demonstrated that the characteristics of this particular fabric can be further enhanced for its suitability for use as a compression garment for this specific area of application.