Prevention of bedsores
Content:
- Causes of bedsores
- Stages of bedsores
- How to prevent pressure sores?
- Skin care
Pressure ulcers are called soft tissue necrosis. Constant pressure on certain parts of the body in bedridden patients leads to impaired blood circulation and the normal action of nerve impulses, which provide vital processes in the cells. As a result, soft tissue necrosis is possible. This phenomenon is called bedsores in medicine.
The most common places for their appearance are bony protrusions. Initially, the skin turns pale, after which it becomes covered with edema, exfoliates. Pressure ulcers often involve the top layer of soft tissue and bone. In this case, an open wound can cause blood poisoning, which is fatal. Therefore, it is important to avoid pressure ulcers. The highest risk of their appearance is on the sacrum, elbows, shoulder blades, buttocks. There are two types of bedsores: exogenous and endogenous. The first type is tissue necrosis as a result of mechanical stress. In the case of an endogenous species, disturbances in the functioning of organs and body systems play a leading role.
Causes of bedsores
A large number of factors contribute to the formation of pressure ulcers. Among them, the following have the greatest influence on soft tissue necrosis:
- lack of movement, a rare change in the position of the patient - doctors recommend regularly turning the lying patient over. After all, constant squeezing does not allow blood to circulate through the capillaries. Metabolism is disturbed, soft tissues do not receive the elements necessary for the cells, as a result of which their necrosis occurs.
- friction and sliding - the patient's skin is very sensitive to the effects on it. Friction of the patient's body can damage soft tissues and capillaries.
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improper nutrition - the elasticity of the skin decreases with a lack of protein, ascorbic acid and fluid in the body, therefore, under pressure, it is easily injured.
- folds on the linen that create additional friction;
- too dry or damp skin;
- excess weight and increased sweating.
Stages of bedsores
- In the first stage, bedsores can be seen on pale skin in areas that are particularly susceptible to this disease. Over time, edema appears there. A person experiences pain when touching these places on the skin;
- The second stage is characterized by changes in the dermis and epidermis. The swelling becomes even more noticeable, resembling a blister filled with fluid;
- Pressure ulcers of the third degree are very common. Ulcers gradually appear throughout the body. Moreover, not only all layers of the skin are affected, but also muscle tissue;
- The last stage of pressure sores is the most dangerous. In this case, the bone tissue is affected. The wounds are deep and very painful. In sore spots on the surface, a crust of dead soft tissues is noticeable.
How to prevent pressure sores?
It is possible to protect against the occurrence of ulcers on the patient's skin by carrying out prevention and providing proper care. It is necessary to monitor not only the external condition of the skin, sanitary conditions, but also nutrition. Special care is required for patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, and incontinence.
Anti-bedsore mattress
Today, there are special models on sale that provide a change in pressure points on the body by moving air. Thanks to this property, blood circulation is not disturbed. Modern bedsore mattresses work almost silently. In addition, unlike the first models, they do not consume much electricity. The pressure sore mattress allows you to turn over the patient less often and makes it easier to care for him.
The patient should be moved by first lifting it. Otherwise, as a result of sliding and friction, damage is formed on the skin, leading to bedsores.
It is important to monitor the patient's diet. The diet should include foods that contain zinc, iron and other beneficial trace elements. Pressure ulcers are often caused by a lack of iron. They are rich in dairy products, fish, poultry, chicken eggs. The patient should eat more green vegetables and fresh fruits. For those patients whose digestive system does not cope well with meat, broths are an alternative.
RELATED: List of home remedies for bedsores
Skin care
- Preventing pressure sores means changing your laundry frequently. This helps keep the skin clean. Fresh linen should be laid carefully to avoid creasing the bed. They create additional friction and damage the skin. Keep the nails short for both the patient and the caregiver. Otherwise, skin may be easily scratched.
- Clothes for the patient should be loose. If it squeezes or is too tight, it will lead to poor circulation. You need to choose models without buttons, rigid seams, pockets. Synthetic fabrics negatively affect the skin, so linen and clothing should be made from natural materials. Overheating of the patient's body should not be allowed. Increased sweating increases the risk of pressure sores.
- The skin should always be clean. To do this, it should be treated with a wet sponge. In this case, you need to act very carefully so as not to damage the upper layers of the skin. Too dry skin should be moisturized, and oily skin should be dried. Antibacterial agents are not recommended. For example, soap, cleansing the skin, destroys beneficial bacteria on its surface. After water procedures, moisture is removed with a towel. You should not rub the skin in such cases.
- Incontinence is a common cause of pressure ulcers. Patients who have difficulty with this should change their underwear as often as possible and use diapers. In case of increased perspiration, treat the skin with a sponge dipped in a weak solution of apple cider vinegar.
Treatment of pressure ulcers is a long and painful process. If the patient is properly cared for, ulcers can be avoided. The main thing is to maintain the cleanliness of the patient's body and bed, provide him with plenty of drink and a varied diet, and regularly change his body position.
The author of the article: Volkov Dmitry Sergeevich | c. m. n. surgeon, phlebologist
Education: Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (1996). In 2003 he received a diploma from the Educational and Scientific Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.
