What are bedsores?
Bedsores are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. It varies in severity - from slight redness of the skin to deep ulcers that reach even the bone.
Constant pressure on any part of the body reduces the supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients, which eventually leads to the gradual death / destruction of the skin and underlying tissues.
Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone.
People most at risk of bedsores have medical conditions that limit their ability to change positions or cause them to spend most of their time in a bed or chair.
Bedsores can develop over hours or days. Most sores heal with treatment, but some never heal completely. You can take steps to help prevent bedsores and help them heal.
Prevention
You can help prevent bedsores by frequently repositioning yourself to avoid stress on the skin.
Other strategies include taking good care of your skin, maintaining good nutrition and fluid intake, quitting smoking, managing stress, and exercising daily.
Tips for repositioning
Consider the following recommendations related to repositioning in a bed or chair:
- Shift your weight frequently.
- Lift yourself, if possible.
- Look into a specialty wheelchair. Some wheelchairs allow you to tilt them, which can relieve pressure.
- Select cushions or a mattress that relieves pressure.
- Do not use doughnut cushions, as they can focus pressure on surrounding tissue.
- Perform any type of physical activity (even lying down) to improve blood circulation. Consult a physiotherapist. The physician selects the most appropriate position according to the patient's health condition;
- Adjust the elevation of your bed. If your bed can be elevated at the head, raise it no more than 30 degrees. This helps prevent shearing.
- Keep skin clean and dry. Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do this cleansing routine regularly to limit the skin's exposure to moisture, urine and stool.
- Change bedding and clothing frequently if needed.
- Inspect the skin daily. Look closely at your skin daily for warning signs of a pressure sore.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20355893
