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Bedridden patients with mobility problems in bed, unconscious people and disabled people in wheelchairs are at risk of bedsores. What is a bedsore? It is a focus of necrosis that transforms into ulceration of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and even muscles, joints and bones.
There is a generally accepted classification of pressure ulcer stages, which is described by the five-point Torrence scale:
- XNUMXst degree – redness that fades after light pressure, which is the result of reactive hyperaemia.
- XNUMXnd degree – non-fading redness, erythema does not go away after lifting the pressure. Light pressure does not remove the redness. There may be swelling, skin damage and blisters. Pain is common.
- XNUMXrd degree – full-thickness damage to the subcutaneous tissue. The bottom of the wound contains yellow masses of disintegrating tissue or red granulation tissue, the edges of the wound are well demarcated. There is erythema and swelling around the wound.
- XNUMXth degree – the damage involves the subcutaneous tissue. The bottom of the wound contains necrotic masses of black color, the wound margin is usually well demarcated, but necrosis may also involve surrounding tissues.
- XNUMXth degree – deeper necrosis involves deeper tissues, including fascia and muscles, and may also involve joints and bones. The bottom of the wound contains necrotic masses of black tissue.
People in wheelchairs are particularly vulnerable to pressure sores, because their treatment often excludes them from some daily activities and even rehabilitation, which is very important. And it is right to be afraid because having bedsores is painful, even life-threatening, and their treatment is time-consuming, difficult and often expensive.
What to do to avoid a black scenario?
Prophylaxis against bedsores is not that difficult, but you have to be thorough and observant. The most important thing is the hygiene of the exposed person, the body of such a person should be washed thoroughly and regularly every day. b When washing, pay attention to any redness and skin changes, any abrasion or redness underestimated can lead to bedsores. Another very important step is changing your position. If the exposed person is sitting in a wheelchair, it is important to leave it for some time or be moved to a bed, it is best to lie on the stomach or on the sides at this time to relieve the butt. If we have a person lying down, it is important that it is regularly turned every 2-3 hours. In addition to washing and changing positions, it is important to care for the skin, it is advisable to lubricate and moisturize, i.e. use creams and lotions dedicated to skin exposed to bedsores. Clean, oxygenated and properly greased skin is the best protection against pressure sores.
Alarm! Reaction to the first symptoms
If we find a disturbing change, we must be very careful not to put pressure on this place. You need to get the right ointment for bedsores in every pharmacy you will find a wide range of such ointments without a prescription. You can also gently massage the borders of redness to stimulate circulation in this place, which will speed up healing. If after a few days (2-3) of care and observation of such a place, the condition does not improve, you need to contact your doctor.
Prevention:
- hygiene is the basis
- careful observation
- regular position changes
- greasing and moisturizing, cream or lotion
Early response:
- absolute relief
- oxygenation
- ointment treatment
- stimulating blood circulation
- observation
By following these tips, you can be sure that nothing will surprise you and you will be well prepared to fight for healthy skin.
Disabled person expert: Artur Wachowicz