A Sore Spot
Pressure Sores Can Be A Serious Problem for People With Paralysis
Pressure sores seem like such an easy problem to prevent. Simply change your position often, right? Wrong.
Pressure sores, also known as decubitus ulcers, are areas of injured skin and tissue that are often caused by sitting or lying in the same position for extended periods of time. When a change in position doesn’t occur often enough, the blood supply becomes diminished, causing a sore. It has also been noted in recent years that the heated seats that are a feature of some vehicles can cause pressure sores in people with paralysis.
The seriousness of a pressure sore depends on how much of the skin and tissue has been damaged. A slight discoloration of the skin usually indicates the beginning of a sore and should be checked right away. If it’s not attended to immediately, a sore can go deep enough to expose the bone. These are the most dangerous types of pressure sores because they are more open and extremely susceptible to infection, as illustrated by the unexpected death of Christopher Reeve.
Pressure sores can be treated in a number of ways, the most important of which is to keep pressure off the sore. This can be achieved by using special mattresses, pillows, foam wedges or seat cushions. You can also buy pressure-relief boots and Crocs to avoid getting sores on your heels when sitting in a wheelchair. It is also important to keep your bed sheets wrinkle-free as wrinkles can also lead to sores.
Nutrition and cleanliness are also important factors in treating a pressure sore. Good nutrition helps to heal a sore from the inside out by providing your body with the proper calories and nutrition to heal itself. It is important to keep the pressure sore clean and free of dead tissue as well. Gently rinsing the area with a saltwater solution helps remove excess fluid and dead tissue.
An infected pressure sore is much harder to treat, depending on the severity of the infection. If only the sore itself is infected, it can usually be treated with just an antibiotic ointment. If the deep tissue or the bone has become infected, the treatment usually includes a lengthy (sometimes weeks or month) hospital stay and a course of intravenous antibiotics.
The most important factor in preventing pressure sores is maintaining healthy skin. Keep skin clean and apply moisturizing lotion daily to keep skin strong, elastic and not too dry. Shift your weight at least once an hour or, if you are unable to move independently, have a caregiver assist you. Invest in and use some of the products listed above, such as foam wedges and air mattresses.
