I have a client who has worn compression stockings that go to her knees for a month without taking them off. Is this harmful?

She wears them because she is very much overweight and chooses not to move around much. She hasn't showered in 3 months and with new DHS rules, we can't do much about anything. It's horrible. I worry she's doing something harmful by not taking them off.

Answers from doctors (4)


Beverly Hills Vein Center

Published on Jan 17, 2017

Stockings should be removed at night. Not showering is a health hazard.

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Answered by Beverly Hills Vein Center

Stockings should be removed at night. Not showering is a health hazard.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jan 12, 2017

If she has not had anything happen to her legs in a month, then one would have to conclude it is not harming her, besides having potential hygiene issues. You didn't explain why she wants to wear them constantly but it probably doesn't change my answer.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

If she has not had anything happen to her legs in a month, then one would have to conclude it is not harming her, besides having potential hygiene issues. You didn't explain why she wants to wear them constantly but it probably doesn't change my answer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 11, 2017

I think the hose are the least of her issues. I would, however, like to see them removed to examine the skin on her feet especially if diabetic. Perhaps reach out to her family or her physician for direction.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I think the hose are the least of her issues. I would, however, like to see them removed to examine the skin on her feet especially if diabetic. Perhaps reach out to her family or her physician for direction.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Jan 06, 2017

Other than the hygiene issue, it is not likely to be harmful.

When patients choose to do this, however, it is noticeble to see that the skin retains what normally is shed with normal daily activity: rubbing on clothing, itching, touching, massge, etc. As such, the old skin is not shed and thus layers sometimes will cover the entirety of the inside of the stockings when they are taken off.

She must take them off every other day, shower or have her legs washed and thereafter wear them again.

Having said that, I don't recommend what she is doing from the standpoint of personal hygience. She is also likely to get fungal infection of her toes due to the moisture.

it is not likely that it compromises her arterial circulation. If there is concomitant PAD, then I would recommend open-toe stockings so that her toes can be checked regularly.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Other than the hygiene issue, it is not likely to be harmful.

When patients choose to do this, however, it is noticeble to see that the skin retains what normally is shed with normal daily activity: rubbing on clothing, itching, touching, massge, etc. As such, the old skin is not shed and thus layers sometimes will cover the entirety of the inside of the stockings when they are taken off.

She must take them off every other day, shower or have her legs washed and thereafter wear them again.

Having said that, I don't recommend what she is doing from the standpoint of personal hygience. She is also likely to get fungal infection of her toes due to the moisture.

it is not likely that it compromises her arterial circulation. If there is concomitant PAD, then I would recommend open-toe stockings so that her toes can be checked regularly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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