Prophylaxis of pressure sores

Bedsores are changes in the soft tissues of the body, developing as a result of prolonged disruption of their nutrition and squeezing. This leads to irritation, skin detachment, the appearance of wounds and the necrosis of the tissues. The depth of the lesion in severe cases can reach the muscle layer, tendons and bone tissue.

Why do bedsores occur?

Bedsores - this is by no means the fate of only weakened recumbent patients, they can be formed as a result of any external pressure, especially often in the areas of the bony protuberances. For example, pressure sores are often formed in patients with fractures under the pressure of an excessively tight or uneven plaster bandage, which limits blood circulation. There are cases of the occurrence of decubitus in the oral cavity as a result of the pressure of dentures . But still more often such complications are observed in operated or traumatological patients, long time in a compelled position and receiving insufficient care.

Prophylaxis of bedsore formation in bedridden patients

For prophylaxis of bedsores, both at home and in the hospital, it is necessary, first of all, to provide the patient with correct and thorough third-party care. And measures to prevent bedsores should be actively carried out from the first days of the disease. Let's consider the basic measures and means for the prevention of pressure sores:

  1. One of the main rules is the periodic change of the patient's position in bed (every 2-3 hours, at least 8 times a day). All movements should be carried out with extreme caution, so that friction or stretching of the skin is not allowed. The task becomes easier when using a special bed.
  2. It is recommended to apply a mattress for the patient to prevent pressure sores (an anti-bedsore mattress). The most common are two types of mattresses - cellular and balloon. The principle of operation of these mattresses is based on a constant change in pressure on the body in different zones due to regular air injection and blowing in special chambers (cylinders, cells). This allows you to maintain normal blood circulation in the squeezed tissues, thereby eliminating the cause of the formation of pressure sores.
  3. To reduce pressure on soft tissues, special rubber circles, cushions, foam liners, etc. should be placed in the areas most vulnerable to the patient.
  4. It is necessary to ensure that the sheet on the patient's bed does not roll into the folds, and on the underwear there are no coarse sutures. Wet, contaminated bedding and underwear must be replaced immediately.
  5. In the room where the patient is, it is necessary to maintain the normal temperature and humidity of the air, to regularly ventilate and clean.

Additional measures for prophylaxis of bedsores

The most important measure of prophylaxis of bedsores is skin care. It should be ensured that the patient's skin is always clean, not damp and not over-dried. To do this, you must do the following:

  1. Regularly wash the patient with warm water using toilet soap and a soft sponge (preferably natural), followed by a careful and thorough wiping dry soft cotton cloth;
  2. The sites of the greatest pressure three times - four times a day, wipe with camphor alcohol, ammonia (0.5%), salicylic alcohol (1%) or solution of potassium permanganate (1%), combining it with a non-intensive massage.
  3. If the patient's skin is over-dried, moisturizing cream should be used (preferably for children), in case of excessive moisture, powder or drying ointments.
  4. If you find areas of redness on the skin, you need to massage lightly around these areas.