BED SORES
Bed sores commonly known as pressure sores, skin ulcers or decubitus are cuts, lesions or swelling caused due to prolonged pressure on any part of body and usually affect parts of the body over bony areas.
Bed sores commonly occur among handicapped, disabled, paralyzed or bed ridden patients as they are unable to change their position frequently and continuous pressure on specific parts of body lead to bed sores. Bed sores can be treated effectively if found early but can become a life threatening disease as it cuts off blood circulation to parts of the body.
Bed sores commonly occur around the buttocks, heels, lower back and the hip bone area among bed ridden individuals while spine, ankles, knees, head , shoulders are also susceptible to pressure sores depending on the fixed position of the patient. It is important to note that bedsores, if small and detected early can be treated by regular dressings while large or deep bedsores need plastic surgery techniques.
- Signs of infection such as: moistness of skin, odor, pus formation or swelling
- Discoloration of skin
- Tearing or lesions on skin, especially over bony areas
The severity of the bed sores can be diagnosed by four stages: darkened or reddened skin does not turn white when pressed, blisters or abrasions begin to appear, skin loss extends to underlying tissue and finally the skin loss extends beyond the underlying tissue to the muscle and the bone
Some common causes that lead to bed sores are:
- Restricted activity due to confinement to bed, chair or wheelchair
- Inability to change position by self as and when required or incase of discomfort
- Moisture causing conditions such as bladder incontinence, loss of bowel control cause moisture accumulation on the skin causing irritation to skin
- Dehydration and poor nutrition are also main causes that lead to undernourished skin conditions and consequently cause bed sores
- Bed ridden patients experience decreases levels of mental awareness on account of medications or other reasons and therefore do not react immediately to the need of changing positions or easing discomforting positions in bed or chair.
Home Remedies for Bed Sores
Suggested remedies to treat and prevent bed sores
- Avoiding continuous pressure on any one area by changing positions at least every two hours
- Use a ripple mattress or ripple bed such that circulation of blood is effected throughout the body
- Air mattresses, cushions, pillows or other forms of support can also help change positions
- Massage the body or employ possible physiotherapy to exercise parts of the body
- Eat a well balanced and nutritive meal with extra proteins to maintain healthy tissues
- Keep skin clean and dry at all times
Diet for Bed Sores
Healthy diat is necessary
- In general, a diet rich in vitamin C and zinc has been proven to improve wound healing
- Protein rich foods also keep tissues healthy from such disorders
- A dietician needs to assess the nutrition levels of the patients before suggesting an appropriate diet in compliance with the disability or reason behind being bed ridden
Suggestions for Bed Sores
It is important to assess the following considerations in avoiding or treating bed sores
- Periodically checking the risk factors that may cause bed sores
- Maintaining hygiene and ideal skin conditions
- Ensuring appropriate hydration and adequate nutrition levels
- Educating members of the family on providing acre to avoid bed sores to patients
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