Bed Sores Are More Common Than You Think

If you or a loved one has limited mobility, bed sores are more common than you think. In addition, the serious nature of a pressure sore is often misunderstood. So by the time a physician is called, a life or death situation may be developing.

wheelchair cushions for pressure sores

Why Bed Sores are Serious

PRESSURE SORES

Bed sores are serious for several reasons. For one, many individuals who suffer from pressures sores are paralyzed to some degree. So, when the skin starts dying and peeling away, those people have no idea there is a problem. Unless the caregiver notices right away, the sore can go untreated for far too long.

By the time an irritation to the skin is observed, there might already be an open wound present. Once the wound is open, it has essentially become a breeding ground for infection. Even at this point, someone confined to bed or a wheelchair will still be clueless.

When the problem turns into an oozing red sore a caregiver will probably notice and call the doctor. But, will it be in time?  More often than not, an individual confined to a bed or wheelchair will already have a compromised immune system. So, when the infection starts coursing through the blood stream, the body has an extremely difficult time fighting for good health, even with the strongest antibiotics available today.

How to Prevent Pressure Sores

Are you scared yet? If you are confined to a chair or a bed, or you know someone who is, you should be very concerned. For example, Christopher Reeves died from the fierce infection that began with a bed sore. Even with the diligence of his wife and other caregivers, he still developed a pressure wound.

Nothing can guarantee a pressure sore will never happen. But, there are things that can be done to prevent them from occurring, or at least catch them before they become life-threatening.

First, the skin that is constantly in contact with the bed or the chair should be examined daily, without fail. Check for sign that the skin is not getting enough circulation and do what you can to change the situation. For example, specialty wheelchair cushion can greatly reduce the pressure on the buttocks, back and arms. In bed, hospital quality mattresses can provide for ventilation of the skin by reducing pressure points.

Second, position should be changed as much as possible. For example, a high back wheelchair that reclines will help even the quadriplegic change position every couple of hours. For those disabled that can be turned, it is vital to roll from back to side every few hours. People without a disability naturally change positions during sleep. However, individuals with limited motion do not have this natural luxury.

Third, the skin should be kept clean and drive. It does not take long for a sore to develop, if the epidermis is not well cared for and allowed to become irritated by sweat or soiling.

Now you know 3 very important facts. Bed sores are common among the disabled; they can prove fatal if not taken care of right away, and the prevention measures to avoid this health issue in the first place.

Bed Sores Are More Common Than You Think

PRESSURE SORES