Understanding Bedsores And How To Prevent Them

Bedsores are a type of ulcer that develops on the skin due to prolonged pressure from staying in the same position for a long time, such as sitting in a wheelchair, lying on the bed, or wearing a cast. It usually happens when the person is immobile, bedridden, incapable of sensing pain, or unconscious. This is why bedsores are also known as pressure ulcers and pressure injuries. 

Bedsores are more common among bedridden patients, or frail, older adults who are dependent on the care of others. Often, bedsores are a result of poor quality of care. Read on to find out more about preventing bedsores.

What Causes Bedsores?

Bedsores can develop when an immobile or bedridden person is given poor nutrition and skincare, and is not positioned correctly or turned regularly. Bedsores will form if the blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two hours. The skin will slowly start to die, and the bedsore forms as a red, painful area before slowly turning purple. If it is left untreated, the skin might break open, causing infections. 

Bedsores can extend into the muscle and become bone-deep. People who are suffering from diabetes, poor nutrition, and have circulation problems are more likely to develop severe bedsores. Bedsores are difficult to treat and can take days, months, or even years to heal if the bedsore is severe. They often develop on areas along the buttocks, on the backs and sides of knees, the shoulder blades, the heels of the feet, and on the back of the head. 

How Are Bedsores Treated?

The specific treatment of bedsores depends on the severity of the condition and the professional judgment of healthcare providers. Methods of treating bedsores include removing pressure on the affected area, proper nutrition, keeping the wound clean by using medicated gauze, and administering antibiotics. Treatment will become more difficult if the skin has broken, and might include the need for debridement (removal of infected, damaged, or dead tissue) and skin grafts (transplant of healthy skin to the affected area).

How to Prevent Bedsores

Bedsores can be prevented before they develop. You can inspect the skin regularly for areas of redness, as it’s the first sign of the skin breaking down. Pay special attention to bony areas as bedsores are more likely to develop there. You can prevent bedsores from developing or getting worse by using soft padding on beds to reduce pressure and repositioning the patient every two hours. If the patient is sitting upright in a wheelchair, change their position every 15 minutes. Make sure that the skin remains clean and dry, and provide proper nutrition such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and calories. Bedsores will never heal without proper nutrition.

Patients who suffer from incontinence are more likely to develop bedsores as urine or fecal matter are damp and acidic, causing the skin to weaken. It is therefore important to use high-quality adult diapers and bed pads with high absorbency so they can keep the skin dry. 

CWI Medical carries a wide range of products to help patients prevent bedsores, including bed pads. If you’re wondering which types of products will be the most suitable for your current situation, you can contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help you.