Bed sores can become a problem anytime that a person is confined to a bed (or sometimes a wheelchair) for an extended period of time. Also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, bed sores are painful and difficult to treat. These tips on reducing and preventing bed sores can make a big difference in your patient’s life and comfort.
Preventing Bed Sores for a Patient Confined to a Bed
Bed sores result when sustained pressure, friction, or shear causes the skin to become fragile and tear. These factors can all result when a patient is in a single position for a long period of time, such as when they are on bed rest. The best way to reduce bed sores is to ensure that the patient is able to change positions. Patients should change positions every few hours. If you’re caring for a patient in your home, then using a hospital bed can make position changes easier for both the patient and caregiver.
Hospital beds allow patients to elevate the head and foot sections, improving blood flow and relieving pressure. It’s also important to make sure that you use a quality, cushiony mattress, and that you use pillows or cushions to protect the patient from friction and excess pressure.
Preventing Bed Sores for a Patient Confined to a Wheelchair
There are also a number of ways that you can reduce bed sores for a patient in a wheelchair. Choosing a
wheelchair cushion which is designed to relieve pressure can help to reduce bed sores. Some, allowing you to change position to further reduce the chance of getting bed sores.
Skin Care to Prevent Bed Sores
Skin care is an important element in preventing bed sores. If skin in an area begins to become irritated, then you will need to care for it immediately in order to prevent a bed sore from forming. You should clean and thoroughly dry the skin, then keep the skin from getting too dry or too wet. Too much moisture can make skin more vulnerable to bed sores. It’s also important to clean clothes and bedding regularly.
If a patient is incontinent, then you need to carefully manage the incontinence in order to keep the skin dry. Frequently changing diapers and cleaning the skin is important, and you may need to apply lotion in order to keep the skin healthy. If you have never used diapers for yourself or for loved one check
"The Raw Facts About Adult Diapers" to learn some facts before buying one.
With proper management and attentive care, you can reduce and prevent bed sores. If bed sores become a persistent issue, then speak with the patient’s doctor for advice on your particular situation.
If you have any question about the products which can help you to manage the bed sore, don't hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help you...
