For anyone in a wheel chair or who is relegated to bed for any length of time, pressure sores, also known as "bed sores" are an eminent threat. Complications from pressure sores can be fatal and, in fact, kill one in 12 people with spinal cord injuries in the U.S. Pressure sores are not easy to treat and can be difficult to avoid, but with a basic knowledge of causes, treatments and precautions, one is better equipped to deal with the threat of pressure sores.
Pressure sores are caused when the weight of the body, resting on a surface, cuts off circulation to certain areas. Without blood flow, the affected tissue dies, creating a pressure sore. The severity of a pressure sore can range from a superficial wound, which heals once pressure is relieved, to a severe wound with irreparable skin damage as well as muscle, bone, joint, and even tendon damage. These more severe pressure sores can lead to infections which include joint infections, gas gangrene, and sepsis (bacteria from an infection entering the blood stream, often leading to shock and organ failure).
PRESSURE SORES
Treatment for pressure sores can be difficult. The first step is always to relieve the pressure responsible for the sore. Pressure can be relieved by shifting often to avoid sustained pressure in one area, as well as by using surfaces with good support. These surfaces include mattresses, cushions, and pads, designed to evenly distribute the weight of the body. One material which does an excellent job distributing weight is foam, such as memory foam or latex, which was designed to avoid creating pressure points on the body.
After the pressure is relieved, keeping the sore clean becomes important. A superficial wound can be cleaned using a mild soap while more serious wounds should be cleaned with saline solution (saltwater), to avoid infection. Dead tissue must be removed for a sore to heal properly. This can be done through surgery or less invasive means such as irrigation devices that allow the bodies own enzymes to remove devitalized tissue. Some sores are so severe that they require reconstructive surgery, which has one of the highest complication rates of any surgery.
The best remedy is prevention. This can be done by taking precautions to avoid conditions precipitate of sores. It is important to shift often when in a wheelchair or in bed to avoid continuous lack of circulation to one area. It is also important to check daily for pressure sores, as the more quickly they are found the more quickly and safely they can be treated. Again, support surfaces play a role in effective avoidance of pressure sores. It is important to have a sleeping surface or padding that distributes pressure evenly. There are many effective materials that can be used including gel, water, air, and foam supports.
Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Sores - The Right Mattress Can be a Remedy PRESSURE SORES
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