People who are bedridden by illness often complain of bedsores. These difficult-to-heal skin lesions can develop within hours, are painful, and can cause infections. What to do to minimize the risk of such complications?

The first alarming sign is reddening of the skin, especially if it does not disappear under pressure. At this stage, the pressure ulcer can still be treated relatively easily. Then the reddened area darkens.

The ischemic tissue dies off and becomes yellowish, brown, and finally black. The dead one separates from the he althy ones, forming pressure ulcers. Such changes are very difficult to heal, and frequentinfections in the woundcomplicate the treatment even more.

Pressure ulcers require frequent changes in the patient's position

The basis of prophylaxis is regular - at least every two hours - changing the position of the patient. The sick person can do it alone or with the help of another person. It is better for him not to lie completely on his side, as in this position it puts pressure on the area where the femur meets the pelvis, which is particularly prone to pressure ulcers.

This is where, and in the area around the sacrum and coccyx, pressure ulcers most often develop. You should also limit sitting in bed, as the patient usually slides down quite quickly and puts pressure on the lower back.

Daily patting of pressure points improves blood circulation. If the patient is at particular risk of developing pressure ulcers, he should be patted several times a day. To do this, place the hand with the fingers together in the "roof". We pat in this way so that between our hand and the patient's skin there is a so-called airbag. Do not rub or massage your body violently.

Such a strong pressure on the skin not only hurts, but can also have a counterproductive effect, i.e. disturb the circulation instead of stimulating it.

You also need to carefully inspect the skin of the sick person every day. If disturbing symptoms appear, e.g. redness, cracks in the epidermis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of the disease.

Adequate hygiene plays an important role in the prevention of pressure ulcers

To avoid irritation and not to damage the natural, slightly acidic skin reaction, it is best to use gentle soaps with a pH of 5.5 for washing.

Afterafter washing, dry the body thoroughly with a towel (but without rubbing), paying particular attention to the area around the folds. When the skin remains moist, it macerates, that is, the epidermis softens, which promotes the formation of pressure ulcers.

Oil washed and dried skin, e.g. with olive oil or linomag, and if it is excessively dry, 0.5%. propolis cream.

Prophylactically in places exposed to pressure, marital ointment or lanolin ointment is also used. You should not use lubricants and talcum powder or powder at the same time (they are used to prevent chafing), because they together form a crust that irritates the skin.

You can reach for Manuka honey - take advantage of its antibacterial properties as well as anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties.

You can also reach for pharmaceutical preparations for cleansing and washing wounds, which will reduce the risk of infection. You can reach for a preparation containing, for example, polyhexanidine - a substance that supports the wound healing process and is not conducive to the development of microbial resistance.

Worth knowing

Pressure ulcers are damage to the skin caused by prolonged pressure or friction. The pressure disrupts the blood supply to the skin, causes ischemia and, as a consequence, the death of the tissues. Pressure ulcers form fastest where the skin and underlying tissue are close to the bones, for example around the pelvis and sacrum, on the shoulder blades, elbows, heels, occiput, and sometimes … ears.

Suitable accessories protect against bedsores

Although the most important thing is proper care and frequent changes of the patient's position, it is also worth considering the appropriate equipment that will protect against bedsores.

The bed is important. A sick person spends about 720 hours a month in it! We set them up so that we have free access to the patient from all sides. Bed linen should be soft, without creases, the sheet should be stretched so that no folds are formed on it. They can be lined with flannel or sheepskin - they contain lanolin soothing irritation. There must be no crumbs in the bed.

The formation of bedsores is also prevented by a special mattress ( although even the best mattress cannot replace proper care and frequent change of the patient's position). Variable pressure mattresses with special chambers into which air is forced are very good. Thanks to stronger or weaker inflation, the pressure on various parts of the body in contact with the mattress changes and the blood circulation improves.

Gel mattresses, latex or other microporous material are also used. The mattress can also be made of a corrugated sponge - it resembles a hedgehog whose spikes exert pressure on other parts of the body with each movement. In hardware storesIn rehabilitation, there are also special anti-bedsore discs (e.g. for buttocks), wedges, foot protectors, elbow and heel supports, neck and knee rollers.

What causes bedsores

First of all, long-term immobilization in one position. But pressure ulcers can develop within a few hours, e.g. when the patient is elderly and in poor general condition. The skin of the elderly has less blood supply due to limited physical activity, as well as circulatory disorders that are common at this age. The cause of bedsores may also be skin moistness, insufficient hygiene, uneven bedding, emaciation or, on the contrary, obesity. The risk is greater when the person condemned to lying down suffers from other diseases, e.g. diabetes, circulatory failure, sphincter incontinence.

Under medical supervision

Bedsores can be treated at home, but under the supervision of a doctor who will decide on the method of treatment: applying dressings, using antibiotics or the surgeon's intervention (e.g. cleaning the wound by removing necrotic tissue).

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Category:

Dermatology