Those who are aged, unwell or who have mobility issues are the foremost at risk of developing bed sores. Bed sores are also commonly referred to as pressure sores or pressure ulcers.
As an example, folks in danger include those with:
• Incontinence problems - The dampness caused by incontinence will create the skin susceptible to break
• Diseases, as an example diabetes, motor dysfunction, immune deficiencies and nutritional disorders
• Dementia, that will prevent individuals recognising discomfort and regularly moving their bodies in the traditional way.
• People who are in a very wheelchair, chair or bed for the bulk of the time.
Identifying bed sores
The following symptoms are signs that somebody might have a pressure sore or be at risk of developing one:
• Is that the skin discoloured? Look out for red or purple-coloured skin
• Sometimes pressure ulcers can have a foul odour
• The area is seemingly to be redder and hotter than the rest of the body
• There can typically be swelling
• Raise the patient if the area is painful to the bit
• Generally pressure sores ooze pus
Preventing pressure sores
It is vital to stop bed sores as so much as possible as they will deteriorate in condition and cause discomfort. Here are some tips about keeping pressure ulcers at bay:
• The patient's position should be shifted often - at least once each two hours or each hour for terribly frail individuals. Somebody needs to be readily available to try to to this if they can not move themselves around.
• Eating a healthy diet can help forestall pressure sores
• The skin must be kept as clean and dry as possible. Though the skin should be moisturised to forestall dryness, it ought to never be wet to the touch.
• Incontinence pads should be used if the patient is incontinent. They should be changed regularly.
• If you're not a medical professional, consult a doctor or nurse if you think that pressure sores could be developing.
• Use specially designed sheets, pillowcases, underwear and bootees which are designed to avoid friction and shear on the skin and tissue.
Treating pressure sores
When you treat pressure sores, you would like to avoid the ulcer turning into any worse.
• Make sure pressure is relieved from pressure points at regular intervals - keep moving the patient each hour or so
• Encourage the patient to keep pressure off vulnerable areas like knees, elbows and hips.
• Keep wounds clean and dry
• Use non friction and anti-shear dressings thus that there is no drag or rub on the wound
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