Pressure sores can range from mild redness and discomfort to severe, deep wounds that expose muscle ...
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Pressure sores can range from mild redness and discomfort to severe, deep wounds that expose muscle and bone. If left untreated, they can become seriously infected and even life-threatening.
Who's Most at Risk
Individuals most vulnerable to developing pressure sores are those with limited mobility who cannot reposition on their own to take pressure off bony prominences. This high-risk group includes older adults, persons with paralysis or neuropathy, and patients who are sedated or comatose.
Everyday areas like the coccyx, hip bones, heels, elbows, and occiput (back of the head) endure chronic pressure and have fewer muscle and fat layers to protect the skin and bone underneath.
Even minor friction or shearing forces can significantly damage tissue in these locations if pressure isn't regularly relieved. Care providers should pay special attention to these anatomical sites and ensure routine offloading.
Prevention Tips
The key to preventing pressure sores is regularly relieving pressure and keeping skin clean and dry. Tips include:
● Reposition immobile patients at least every 2 hours, more often if possible, gently turning to relieve pressure on bony areas. Use pillows under the shoulders, lower back, and knees when lying on the back. Pad heels, place pillows between knees and ankles when on the side. Follow protocol and document position changes consistently to prevent skin breakdown over vulnerable bones.
● Keep bed linens clean, wrinkle-free, and dry by using fitted sheets, changing sheets at least once a week or when soiled, and eliminating excess fabric. Check for crumbs or moisture, smooth out linens after repositioning, and use waterproof mattress covers and pads when needed to keep skin free from prolonged dampness that could lead to breakdown.
● Check skin daily, especially over bony prominences, for early signs of pressure damage like redness, blistering, or skin discoloration that fails to blanch when pressed. Notify a nurse immediately if these indications of evolving skin injury are present.
● Use pressure redistribution devices like air mattresses that continuously adjust, foam wedges for limb support and heel offloading, and cushions with gels or air pockets that redistribute weight away from vulnerable areas.
● Gently massage at-risk bony areas like heels and hips with lotion or skin-protectant creams for a few minutes each time you reposition; massaging stimulates circulation, brings blood flow, and promotes skin integrity.
Treating Pressure Sores
If sores develop, treating earlier leads to quicker healing. Reddened areas should be kept off the pressure until healed.
Clean the wound gently, apply medication/dressings such as Dermlin Wound Healing Powder as directed, and monitor for signs of infection like drainage or odor. More severe wounds may require special beds, surgery, or vacuum devices to remove dead tissue.
Nutrition is also key to enabling tissue repair and preventing pressure sore formation or delayed healing - aim for adequate calorie intake plus increased protein through eggs, dairy, beans, or supplements.
Also boosts tissue-building vitamins like C with citrus, peppers, strawberries, and A through carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Ensure adequate mineral zinc by consuming oysters, nuts, and fortified cereals. An improved diet fuels the body’s ability to maintain skin integrity and recover from pressure-related skin breakdown.
With diligent nursing care to keep pressure off wounds, most pressure sores heal in a few weeks or months. Prevention is extremely important, though, as repeated damage to the same areas can worsen tissue loss over time. Be attentive to those at risk, and help protect vulnerable skin with gentle repositioning and padding.
Final Thoughts
In short, the occurrence of pressure ulcers focuses on prevention.
During the patient's hospitalization, the nursing staff should strengthen the basic care and do a good job in the health education of the family members, such as guiding the patient on how to lie in a comfortable position, how to help turn over, how to protect the skin under pressure, how to massage the pressure, how to strengthen nutrition and so on.
Family members should give spiritual support to keep the patient optimistic. Pressure sores can be avoided through a series of measures. If they do occur, treat them promptly to prevent the expansion. If you need any guidance, Yenssen is here to assist.
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