Bed Sores Prevention Measures You Can Take

Bed sores also go by the name of decubitus ulcers and they are ulcers of the skin that appear due to prolonged pressure. Bed sores are easier to prevent than to treat and this article will share preventative measures you can take as well as information about the medical symptoms, causes and treatments available if bed sores are already present.

Bed Sores

PRESSURE SORES STAGES

Symptoms of bed sores start as an area of red skin, which is usually over a bony prominence.

If a person is confined to bed rest, the prevalence of these sores will be higher overlying the hips, spine, lower back, shoulder blades, elbows and heels.

If a person is in a wheelchair, sores may be noticed on the buttocks or tailbone, lower back, legs, heels and feet.

If pressure is not relieved from these red areas an ulcer can develop. This ulcer could have a foul odor, tenderness, be warm to touch and possible drain fluid.

The sores are usually allowed to progress because most persons who succumb to decubitus ulcers are chronically ill, bed ridden, and/or have very poor circulation or sensation. These factors make the person unaware of the growing ulcer.

For prevention of bed sores it is imperative to frequently change the position of the person. A sore can begin to form in just a few hours of immobility. It is ideal to have the person change position every 15 minutes especially if they are in a wheelchair and every 2 hours if they are bed ridden, even during the night.

Other bed sores prevention measures include:

Lying on your side at a 30 degree angle to avoid direct pressure on the hip bones Placing a foam pad or pillow under the legs from the mid-calf to the ankle (not behind the knees where it can restrict blood flow) when lying on your back Using a small pillow or pad to prevent knees and ankles from touching Keeping an incline bed at less than 30 degrees to prevent possible friction from sliding down. Using a mattress specially designed to reduce pressure. Discuss your options with your doctor.

As for treatment, since the affected person may already have poor circulation to area of the ulcer, healing will be slow. It is very important to relieve any further pressure on the damaged area. This can be accomplished in bed ridden persons by repositioning every 1-2 hours. Wheel chair patients should also be repositioned frequently. A prescription ointment can be applied throughout the day and antibiotics can help fight any infection.

Bed Sores Prevention Measures You Can Take

PRESSURE SORES STAGES