How To Put Off Bedsores

Bedsores are skin ulcers that appear in areas constantly subjected to pressure. Bedridden patients, those with paralysis and/or spinal cord injuries who can't change their position often develop bedsores at pressure points in the lower back, buttocks, elbows, knees, shoulders, heels and ankles. Other high-risk groups are adults over 60, those with poor circulation, malnourished patients, and heavy individuals.

Bedsores are curable although their healing time varies depending on the site and size of the sores and the patient's general health. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight infection, medicated ointments and dusting powders for the skin, vitamin supplements and a high-protein diet to promote fast healing. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove diseased tissues.

Skin sores that occur in a bed- or chair-bound patient may be caused by a variety of reasons including trauma (e.g., skin tears resulting from moving and transferring), moisture from sweat and urine, arterial ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic or neuropathic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure and typically occur over bony prominences, e.g. coccyx (tail-bone), hip, shoulder blades & heel. Therefore, a good device for preventing and managing bedsores should ideally allow even distribution of body weight, ventilation of air and water vapour (sweat) and minimum friction between skin and mattress/cushion cover. Turn the patient frequently (every 2 hrs), Clean the skin regularly. Choose an effective diaper, which has to be changed whenever saturated. Use a barrier cream in between diaper changes.

Avoid massaging skin over bony areas. Change body position at least every 2 hours- more frequently in a chair. Reduce friction (rubbing) by lifting rather than dragging. Do not use donut shape cushions. These can increase the risk of getting pressure ulcers by reducing blood flow in the areas of contact with the cushion. The head of the bed should be raised as little as possible.

When the head of the bed is raised above 30 degrees, the skin may slide over the bed surface, damaging skin and small blood vessels. Pillows or wedges should be used to keep knees and ankles from touching each other. Patients should avoid lying directly on the hipbone when lying on their side. Pillows and Medical Sheepskin may help. If the patient is completely immobile, pillows should be put under their legs from mid-calf to ankle to keep heels off the bed. Never place pillows under the knees. This cuts off blood circulation.

You have many options, including foam, air, gel or water mattresses. Because these can vary widely in price and effectiveness, talk to your doctor about the best choice for you. For some people, a low-air-loss mattress may provide enough support. But more expensive and technologically sophisticated beds may be needed for people who have recurring pressure sores or who are at very high risk.

Use pressure-reducing devices. Egg crate foam mattress pads, gel pads, sheepskin pads, wheelchair cushions, and alternating air mattresses can prevent and minimize the risk of pressure ulcers. Keep in mind that using these devices doesn’t eliminate the need to reposition.

A bedsore prevention kit includes a finger grip that includes a tubular member having a first end and a second end. A strap is attached to and extends between the first and second ends. The strap is extendable over a plurality of fingers and the tubular member is position able between the fingers and a palm of a hand. A palm protector has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. The palm protector is wedge-shaped and has a decreasing thickness from the second edge to the first edge.