Pressure Sores
Preventing and Treating Pressure Sores
© Megan Drummond
Nov 15, 2006
Pressure sores seem like such an easy problem to prevent. Simply change your position often, right? It's not that easy, though, making pressure sores a very serious pro
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 to the area becomes diminished, causing the sore.
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. Some sores can go deep enough expose the bone. These are the most dangerous types of pressure sores because they are more open and easily susceptible to infection.
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 to avoid getting sores on your heels when sitting in a wheelchair. It is also important to keep the 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 by providing your body with the proper calories and nutrition to heal itself. It is also important to keep the pressure sore clean and free of dead tissue. 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 hospital stay and a course if 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.
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Comments
Nov 15, 2006 5:26 PM
Kathy Quan
:
Christopher Reeve's death was related to several infected pressure sores which caused septicemia, meaning the infection enetered his blood stream. Even all of the intense care he had couldn't prevent him from developing these sores.
He made a conscious choice to make some public appearances instead of being hospitalized to treat the infection with massive antibiotics.
Prevention is key! Early and agressive treatment is essential. Changing position on pressure points is vital especially for those with diminished or no feeling.
Even just the slightest change from contracting and relaxing muscles every 15 to 20 minutes can help prevent pressure sores.
The one thing you don't want to use is a donut shaped device. This can reduce some pressure, but it also restricts blood flow which can cause more problems.
Nov 16, 2006 7:23 AM
Megan Drummond
:
Until Christopher Reeve's death, I had no idea how serious pressure sores can be. I have been in a wheelchair for 22 years and have so far managed to avoid all but the tiniest of sores from the crease of my jeans. And after seeing firsthand while visiting a nursing home what a pressure sore can turn into if left untreated, I hope to avoid any in the future.
Nov 16, 2006 11:30 AM
Kathy Quan
:
Diligence is the key. I'm an RN and have seen more of these than I could tell you. I've seen nurses die from them; one after a routine surgery that left her too weak to move for one too many days, and the nurses didn't turn her. By the time they figured out to check her skin it was too late!
Friction is another thing to avoid. That's why the sheets ned to be taught and wrinkle free so that it's easy to move.
Keep up the good work for yourself and stay on top of anything that even gets red!
Nov 17, 2006 10:53 AM
Megan Drummond
:
I had that problem, too, last time I was in the hospital for a blood clot. By the time the nurses thought to check my heels, they were almost to the point of the skin breaking.
My boyfriend is a CNA at a nursing home and knew enough to check frequently. That probably saved a lot of trouble.
Thanks for the post!
Nov 29, 2006 4:28 PM
Karyn Hughes
:
Pressure sores are not prevented as easily as shifting positions. They won't get as bad, and they're likelihood is decreased, but I got a pressure sore in college from being in a deskchair. and my wheelchair has only let me retain it. I shift my position in my wheelchair frequently, and it is not bad, but I require medical treatment. I understand the irritation and discomfort of a pressure sore, but the frequency of the pressure on one spot, and the wieght was the cause of mine.
Dec 15, 2006 8:45 PM
Kathy Quan
:
You're very right!! They are not prevented just by reducing pressure from shifting position, but that is a vital step.
Hygeine and nutrition play important roles as well. Excessive moisture breeds bacteria which attacks the skin and feeds on it causing it to breakdown. Keeping your skin, clothing and bedding clean and dry helps to prevent bacteria from breeding.
Friction is another issues that can cause skin to breakdown. Avoid bunching and wrinkling of bedding and clothing.
The most effective thing you can do is to check your skin everyday. If an area is showing increased redness, you have to avoid putting pressure on it. Don't use a donut or other apparatus that restricts blood flow. Circulation is vital to prevent tissues from dying which causes decubiti (pressure sores).
Protein and Vitamin C are essential to healing. Drinking plenty of liquids keeps your body and skin hydrated.
If your skin is very dry, applying lotion will help to keep it moisturized and supple. But don't overdo this and make your skin wet.
We used to turn patients every two hours to change positions and reduce pressure. Studies now show that that is not at all sufficient. Changing your position about every 15 minutes is much more effective.
All of these things have to be done in combination to help prevent skin breakdown. The most effective thing is to examine your skin daily, and have someone else help you. It has to become routine like brushing your teeth.
