What are bedsores?
Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone.
Causes
Impaired sensation (when you cannot feel things well)
Inability to change position
Alteration in tone (when muscles are floppy or too firm)
Spasticity (stiff)
Atrophy (muscles shrink)
Trauma
Poor skin condition
Symptoms
Unusual changes in skin color or texture
Swelling
Pus-like draining
An area of skin that feels cooler or warmer to the touch than other areas
Tender areas
Common sites
Sacrum (lower back)
Heel
Trochanter (top of leg)
Ischium (hip bone)
Scapula (shoulder blade)
Elbow
Malleolus (pointy bones at ankle)
Stages of bedsores
Pressure sores develop in four stages.
The skin will look red and feel warm to the touch. It may be itchy.
There may be a painful open sore or a blister, with discolored skin around it.
A crater-like appearance develops, due to tissue damage below the skin's surface.
Severe damage to skin and tissue, possibly with infection. Muscles, bones, and tendons may be visible.
Why do we need to be careful?
In case of an infection, the sore will take long to heal. There is also a risk of the infection spreading to other areas of the body. People who have diabetes need to take extra precautions of bedsores, as they are at high risk for amputations.
How can you prevent bedsores?
1. Repositioning:
Shift your weight frequently. If you use a wheelchair, try shifting your weight about every 15 minutes. Ask for help with repositioning about once an hour.
Lift yourself, if possible. If you have enough upper body strength, do wheelchair pushups — raising your body off the seat by pushing on the arms of the chair.
Select cushions or a mattress that relieves pressure. Use cushions or a special mattress to relieve pressure and help ensure your body is well-positioned. Do not use doughnut cushions, as they can focus pressure on surrounding tissue.
Adjust the elevation of your bed. If your bed can be elevated at the head, raise it no more than 30 degrees. This helps prevent shearing.
2. Skin care:
Keep skin clean and dry. Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do this cleansing routine regularly to limit the skin's exposure to moisture, urine and stool.
Protect the skin. Use plain talcum powder to protect skin at friction points. Apply lotion to dry skin. Change bedding and clothing frequently if needed. Watch for buttons on the clothing and wrinkles in the bedding that irritate the skin.
Inspect the skin daily. Look closely at your skin daily for warning signs of a pressure sore
3. Healthy diet:
Fruit and vegetables (vitamins)
Grains and legumes
Lots of water!
4. Stop smoking!
5. Exercise
Keeps blood circulation in tact
Treatment
Relieve the pressure as soon as possible
Clean wound with saline solution (warm salt water) and keep the wound closed
If the bedsore does not get better, go see the doctor for professional treatment
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