Pressure Sore - How can I avoid getting it? Why should individuals not be dragged, in relation to pressure sores? How long does it take to develop a pressure sore?
These are some of the questions we shall seek to answer in this article. In 5 Proven Steps.
PRESSURE SORES
Bed/ Pressure sores are areas of damage to the skin and its' underlying tissue.
At its earliest stage, it causes a redness, an irritation, pain and itchiness. As it progresses, if left untreated, leads to a deepening skin loss, a high possibility of an infection and finally - Death!
Pressure sores - also called bedsores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers - are caused by pressure, friction and wetness. It can develop in less than two hours - depending on the amount of pressure being delivered. And the persons' general health condition
People of any age who are bedbound, chairbound, or unable to reposition themselves are more likely to suffer bed/ pressure sores. If they are neglected and untreated, or if underlying health conditions such as Diabetes prevents them from healing, pressure sores can become life threatening.
As you can see, Prevention is the best strategy for dealing with pressure sores. It is far easier to prevent bed/ pressure sores than to treat them. Prevention will also help you avoid long-term and costly medical treatment.
If you will be confined to a bed or wheelchair for any considerable length of time, here are 5 Proven Steps to keep you pain and pressure sore free:
1. Keep the Skin Clean and Dry - Regularly clean the skin with mild soap and lukewarm water. Moisturise daily to keep skin supple. Apply non-caking body powder to keep skin dry and prevent friction. Especially, keep skin free from urine and feces.
2. Turn, or Ask to be Turned Twice an Hour - Or at the very least, once every two hours. For wheelchair users, it is a good idea to shift your weight from the left side to the right and then back again, about every 15 - 20 minutes or so. This encourages blood circulation to all parts of the body. And helps to distribute pressure evenly, preventing sores forming.
3. Develop and Maintain a Healthy Diet - This include foods rich in Protein, Vitamin C and Zinc - To boost the bodys' ability to renew cells. And healthy drinks - Water, Milk and natural Fruit Juices - to keep the skin well hydrated. Eating a healthy diet will help prevent new sores from forming and heal old ones. Your dietician can work with you to decide which is the right diet for you.
4. Grow a Cushion - Or Buy One! - The bony areas of the body are more prone to developing pressure sores. For really slim people, it is a good idea to gain some fat to cushion the skin and protect the bone from rubbing against hard objects. Or you could use a good pressure cushion, pillow or pressure mattress to achieve the same - or better - results.
5. Reposition With Care - To relieve pressure, it is important to change lying or sitting position often. Due to the weight of the person in the bed or chair/ wheelchair, this is usually not so easy to do. As you shift into a more comfortable position, there is always that risk of rubbing body parts against the seat, mattress or sheets. This may cause pressure sores. The use of special sheets - called sliding/ gliding sheets - make repositioning patients, self and loved ones, easier and much safer to do.
Practise these 5 proven steps dilligently, and you are well on your way to a happier, more comfortable life without pressure (sores!); - ).
Bed-Pressure Sores Prevention - Will You Follow These 5 Proven Steps to a Pain-Free Confinement? PRESSURE SORES
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