Pressure sores are also known as bed sores and pressure ulcers. Pressure sores are common, especially in those with mobility problems, but everything should be done to avoid them as they can be dangerous and very uncomfortable for sufferers.
Pressure ulcers are caused when skin and underlying tissue is damaged. In the worst cases, underlying bone and muscle can be damaged as well. Bed sores usually affect people who have limited mobility and can't easily move themselves around. This may be due to paralysis, temporary injury or old age.
PRESSURE SORES
Statistics suggest that up to 10% of all UK patients admitted to hospital develop pressure ulcers. For older patients and people with mobility issues, the figure can rise to as high as seven in ten.
Dealing with bed sores
Although pressure ulcers aren't always serious, they still need to be treated when they occur. This is because, left untreated, they can lead to long-term skin damage, gangrene and serious infections.
For those at risk of developing bed sores and their carers, the key issues to consider are firstly how to best prevent the ulcers and secondly how to limit the damage caused by existing sores.
How to prevent pressure ulcers
The following tips will help you prevent pressure sores from occurring.
• Encourage a bedridden person with limited mobility to alter their position as often as possible throughout the day.
• For those who can't do this themselves because they're immobile, they will require help to be moved regularly.
• Consider using special mattresses and sheets which are designed to minimise pressure on the skin which occurs through sitting or lying down. Parafricta sheets, pillowcases and clothing are made out of "zero-friction fabric" which minimises skin friction and prevents shear or 'drag' on the tissue underneath the skin.
How to treat bed sores
In order to treat pressure ulcers and prevent them becoming worse, individuals must be regularly moved to prevent pressure, friction and drag on their skin and tissue.
Mattresses, sheets and pillowcases are especially designed by Parafricta. The items are 'zero friction' and 'anti shear' and they minimise additional damage on the skin and which could be caused by friction and dragging on the tissue beneath the skin.
Dressings should also be used to keep ulcer wounds dry, covered and protected. Dressings for bed sores help the wounds to heal. It's important that the dressings do not move around or come off. They can be kept in place by special bootees and underwear. These items keep dressings in place and prevent friction and shear which would be caused otherwise.
Pressure Sores PRESSURE SORES
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