When caring for pressure ulcers, avoid these wrong methods!

Pressure sores, a seemingly common but far-reaching health problem, have become a complication that cannot be ignored among long-term bedridden people, wheelchair users, and the elderly. Its existence not only brings physical pain to patients but also has a serious impact on their quality of life. In the medical field, pressure sores are often called bedsores. The main cause is that the skin and soft tissues are under pressure for a long time, resulting in blood circulation disorders, which in turn cause local ischemia, hypoxia, and malnutrition. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the causes, prevention, and care measures of pressure sores.

Why are pressure ulcers so dangerous?

We need to realize that those who lie down are more susceptible to illness. For patients who are bedridden or in a wheelchair, the pressure on the skin and soft tissues is unevenly distributed due to the body being in the same position for a long time, which can easily to poor blood circulation. Over time, this pressure will gradually destroy the normal structure of the skin, to pressure sores. In addition, the skin of the elderly has poor elasticity and weak resistance, making them more likely to become "victims" of pressure sores.

How to prevent the occurrence of pressure sores?

1. Turn over frequently: Turning over is of  importance. It is necessary to turn the baby over every 2 hours, and once every 30 minutes to 1 hour when necessary.

2. Frequent observation: Pay attention to the skin around the bony prominences and use various pressure relief pads. For patients who are bedridden for a long time, it is recommended to use an alternating inflatable air mattress. For patients in wheelchairs, it is recommended to use a mattress that can adjust the pressure according to the body position.

3. Scrub frequently: Patients with incontinence, excessive secretions, and sweating should be scrubbed clean with warm water in time. Do not let the patient lie directly on rubber sheets or plastic sheets to avoid moist skin that increases the risk of pressure sores.

4. Change frequently; keep bed sheets and bedding dry. Change and wash clothes and bedding that are stained by sweat, urine, and other stains frequently to keep your skin clean.

5. Frequent massage: For patients who are bedridden for a long time, passive or active exercises of each joint should be performed every day to promote blood circulation and reduce the occurrence of pressure sores.

Preventive and therapeutic skin care:

1. Keep skin clean comfortable and moisturized

2. Clean your skin immediately after incontinence

3. Avoid using alkaline soaps and detergents

4. Use silicone gel foam dressings, whose three-layer structure ensures the stability and dryness of the wound environment. The waterproof and breathable polyurethane film on the top layer effectively blocks the invasion of external bacteria and pollutants, while allowing the exchange of water vapor and oxygen, creating a suitable healing environment for the wound. The polyurethane foam pad in the middle layer is responsible for absorbing medium to large amounts of exudate, effectively reducing the risk of maceration and infection. The silicone adhesive porous polyurethane film on the wound contact layer ensures the gentle adhesion of the dressing and avoids damage to the new epithelium and granulation tissue.

Special reminder for pressure sores:

1. Disabled bedridden elderly people need to turn over and pat their backs every 2 hours to prevent bedsores

2. Urine and feces should be cleaned and dried promptly to avoid bacterial growth.

3. If the elderly have any abnormal conditions, family members and doctors must be informed in time to avoid delaying treatment.

In addition to preventive measures, we also need to take corresponding care measures for patients who have already developed pressure sores. We should closely observe the development of pressure sores and seek medical attention in time if any abnormalities are found. For mild pressure sores, we can use silicone gel foam dressings for care. For severe pressure sores, surgical treatment may be required to remove necrotic tissue and promote the growth of new tissue. Patients who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound for a long time are often prone to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, which will further aggravate the condition of pressure sores.

Pressure sores are a global health issue that requires our joint efforts to address. Both medical staff and patients' families need to be aware of the harmfulness of pressure sores and actively take preventive and nursing measures. Only in this way can we effectively reduce the occurrence and deterioration of pressure sores and improve the quality of life of patients.

For more information on Innomed® Silicone Foam Dressing Sacrum, Refer to the Previous Articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; You Wholeheartedly. At longterm medical, we transform this data by Innovating and Developing Products that Make Life Life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia