Bed sores are more common in bedridden patients. Also known as pressure ulcers and decubitus, bedsores develop due to constant pressure on the skin. The condition hinders the flow of blood to the skin and deprives it of oxygen and other nutrients. The sores are usually uncomfortable and painful and can lead to infections such as endocarditis, cellulitis and meningitis.
Bed sores affect areas with little fat and muscles. For people using a wheelchair, bed sores often occur in areas like the elbows, shoulder blades, heels, tailbone and the back areas of the arms and legs. While, the most common sites for bedridden patients include, the back of the head, hip, shoulder blades, tailbone and the skin behind the knees and ankles.
What Causes Bed Sores?
A couple of things may put you at risk of bed sores, these include:
• Limited movement due to illness or old age
• Moist skin due to sweating a lot
• A previous diagnosis of bed sores
• Bad eating habits and dehydration
• Friction due to rubbing of your skin against bedding or clothes
• Due to weight loss, your bony areas may have a small amount of padding
• Long term illnesses, such as diabetes, vascular disease puts you at the risk of tissue damage
• Shearing- happens when two surfaces are moving in the opposite direction. You can slide down when a bed is being raised at the head. This cuts off the blood supply.
Symptoms
• Unusual change in the colour or texture of your skin
• A warm or cool feeling in a particular place on the skin
• Draining, this is pus-like
• Inflammation
• Some areas are tender to touch
Bedsores are categorised into different stages according to their severity, depth and other features. The damage to the skin and tissue ranges from redness and unbroken skin to a muscle and bone injury.
There are several ways of preventing bed sores if you are currently on bed rest.
Use of Pressure Relief Cushions
Pressure care experts, Nordic Care express “proper positioning is crucial, and the use of pressure relief positioning cushions can greatly assist in the prevention of pressure ulcers”. Place the pillow between your body parts to prevent them from pressing against each other and this will prevent bed sores. Professionals recommend that you use a pillow under your elbow, Shoulders, heels, knees and tailbone. You can put the pillow between your legs if you are sleeping on your side to relieve pressure.
Change Positions Frequently
The pressure on your skin will lessen if you change your position more often. This reduces the risk of getting bed sores. It is recommended that after a couple of hours you should turn your body. For instance, you should turn on your left or right, if you are tired of lying on the back. A caregiver or a member of your family may be of help if you are not in a position to turn on your own.
Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry
Bed sores are less likely to develop on clean and dry skin. You can clean your skin using a washrag and a gentle soap. Get someone to help you clean the areas that are not easy to reach. Afterwards, dry your skin and avoid rubbing too hard, this can cause skin irritation. Do this regularly to prevent skin from exposure to urine, stool and moisture. Check your skin closely for signs of bed sores.
Frequent Exercise
This may seem like a huge task when you are confined to your bed. However, there are a few motion exercises that can help reduce bed sores and can be performed in the comfort of your bed. You can start slow by lifting your arm up to a comfortable position and hold it there for a couple of seconds. The same should be done on the other arm. A caregiver may help you with the exercises if you are not in a position to do it yourself.
Use of Sliding Sheets
The sliding sheets are convenient and benefit both the patient and the caregiver. Individuals with different types of mobility can benefit from this great tool. Sliding sheets give patients the freedom to move and turn with ease. The pressure points experience less friction because of the smooth sheets. This limits the occurrence of bed sores and shear damage to the skin. Patients benefit greatly by being comfortable.
The sliding sheets are beneficial to caregivers as they save time, prevent injuries and lessen physical strain felt by the caregivers while moving and turning their patients. Finally, the number of carers required to turn and move a patient is reduced.
