Implementation of a low-cost Unna boot alternative as adjunctive treatment of Kaposis Sarcoma in Kenya

Abstract

70 percent of HIV cases reside in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with many of those developing Opportunistic Infections (OIs).1Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is an especially debilitating and stigmatizing OI for patients due to lower extremity cancerous lesions .•US based research is underway to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercially available unna boot as adjunctive treatment for KS lesions, yet these products are not available or too expensive in SSA.oAn unna boot is a special compression dressing (cotton) that contains a zinc oxide paste/impregnation process applied to the entire bandage.o The zinc oxide eases irritation, keeps the area moist, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, prompting its use in stasis ulcers, lower extremity surgical wound healing, and case reports of use in KS lesions.2,3,