The spinal cord, as the central nervous system of the human body, plays a vital role. When a spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs, the consequences can be far more complex and far-reaching than we imagine. When an individual loses the ability to move, the skin and deeper tissue may be damaged due to prolonged pressure or shear forces, resulting in pressure ulcers.

How do pressure ulcers form? 

To understand the formation of pressure ulcers, we first need to understand that the skin, like other organs in the body, requires an adequate blood supply to maintain its health. Once a certain part is under pressure for a long time, the blood supply may be restricted, causing damage to the local skin and deep tissue, and eventually the formation of ulcers.

For SCI patients, their situation is more complicated due to mobility impairment and damage to blood vessels and nerves. Their skin is more susceptible to damage due to sensory impairment. Therefore, preventing and treating pressure ulcers is particularly important. Some skin care tips can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers in people with SCI. For example, regularly change the patient's position, choose an appropriate supporting surface, and pay attention to special care of the bony protrusions. Although these methods are simple, they can go a long way in preventing the occurrence of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcer after spinal cord injury is a problem that requires our in-depth study and attention. Only through scientific prevention and effective treatment can we help these patients recover better and improve their quality of life. 

For pressure ulcers:

Pressure ulcers are divided into 4 stages based on the depth and extent of the damage. Different stages of pressure ulcers require different responses. Once a pressure ulcer is discovered, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. The first thing is to relieve or eliminate local pressure. Applying antibacterial ointment and regularly checking the damaged area can help improve the local condition. It is key to seek prompt help from a medical professional to receive timely and appropriate treatment. To avoid worsening of the injury, it is necessary to take some precautions. There are many specialized beds and cushions on the market that are designed to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. However, while these devices have their uses, they are not a substitute for regular assistance in repositioning and turning the patient. For more severe cases, such as those where open ulcers have developed, more complex surgical procedures such as debridement may be required to clean the wound and remove necrotic tissue.

How to prevent pressure ulcers?

1. Cleanliness and Hygiene

Patients with spinal cord injury combined with paraplegia have nerve paralysis, often accompanied by urinary and fecal incontinence. They should avoid physical stimulation, even if they clean the skin, change contaminated bedding, keep the sheets flat, dry, and clean, without wrinkles, and accompanying, warm water every day Clean skin 1 or 2 times.

2. Use an air mattress to relieve pressure ulcers

The air mattress can effectively relieve the vertical pressure formed between the patient's body and the wound surface and is of great help in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

3. Master the correct turning skills and change body position every 2 hours

Regularly changing positions helps maintain blood circulation and ensure an adequate supply of blood to the skin, thereby preventing local skin damage caused by maintaining the same position for a long time. However, this is more difficult for patients who are completely paralyzed, and extra care needs to be taken when assisting them in changing positions to prevent other injuries, such as abrasions or bruises.

4. To prevent skin pressure injuries in individuals with SCI, regular skin examinations are crucial. Every time you care for a patient, inspect the patient's skin thoroughly, especially over bony prominences. Detect skin abnormalities early and prevent them from getting worse. Once you find any abnormalities, such as erythema, abrasions, or blisters, you should immediately report it to medical staff or seek professional help.

5. Moisturizes skin

If your skin is too dry, it increases your risk of developing pressure ulcers. Therefore, skin care after SCI should include regular use of emollients to moisturize the skin.

Other considerations: Maintaining a good weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate fluid intake are also important aspects of preventing pressure ulcers.

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Editor: kiki Jia

Date: January 20, 2023