Bed Sores, Pressure Sores and Decubitus Ulcers Are Easier To Prevent Than to Treat

Written by Adam Peck Category: Bed Sores January 23rd, 2013 3 min read

Bed sores also go by the identity of decubitus ulcers and they are ulcers of the skin that appear due to prolonged pressure. Bed sores are easier to prevent than to treat and this short report will share preventative measures you can take and information about the medical symptoms, causes and treatments available if bed sores are already present.

Bed Sores:

Indications of bed sores start as an region of red skin, which is usually over a bony prominence.

If a particular person is confined to bed rest, the prevalence of these sores could be greater overlying the hips, spine, lower back, shoulder blades, elbows, and heels.

If a particular person is in a wheelchair, bed sores also known as pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, may be noticed on the buttocks or tailbone, lower back, lower limbs, heels, and feet.

If the pressure is not eliminated from these red areas an ulcer can develop. This ulcer could have a foul odor, tenderness, be warm to touch and feasibly drain fluid.

The blistered sores are normally allowed to advance due to the fact most persons who succumb to decubitus ulcers are chronically ill, bed-ridden, and/or possess very poor circulation or sensation. These elements make the individual not aware of the increasing ulcer.

To avoid bed sores, it is crucial to frequently change the position of the individual. A bed sore can begin to form in just a few hrs of immobility. It’s ideal to have the individual adjust positions each 15 mins particularly if they are in a wheelchair and just about every 2 hrs if they are bedridden, even throughout the night.

Other bed sores avoidance steps involve:

Lying on your side at a 30-degree angle to stay away from direct pressure on the hipbones.
Inserting a foam pad or cushion beneath the legs from the mid-calf to the ankle (not behind the knees in which it can restrict blood movement) when lying on your back.
Utilizing a small pillow or pad to stop knees and ankles from touching.
Maintaining an incline bed at less than 30 degrees to stop possible friction from slipping down.
Employing a mattress specially developed to lessen the pressure. Examine your choices with your doctor.

As for treatment, considering the impacted particular person may already have bad blood flow to the spot of the ulcer, healing could be slow. It is quite crucial to minimize any further pressure on the damaged place. This can be achieved in bedridden persons by repositioning each and every 1-2 hours. Wheelchair individuals could additionally be repositioned frequently. A prescription ointment can be applied through the day and antibiotics can help combat any infection.

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.