A Complete Guide to Pressure Sores and Ulcers

Pressure sores usually develop when the skin in an area on the skin is damaged due to constant friction and pressure. These commonly takes place when someone is confined to a chair or bed and are unable to move due to an illness, frailty due to age or a disability.

The important thing about this medical condition is it is preventable, so if you are in one of the at-risk groups it is important to inspect your skin at least twice a day so that if there any early signs they can be treated as soon as possible. One avoidance action that can be taken includes moving your position in the bed or chair regularly or get someone to help you if you can’t do this yourself because you lack the mobility.

If you are in hospital or an aged care facility a nurse should do this job automatically. If you can avoid getting a pressure sore in the first place this is in your best interests as pressure ulcers can be uncomfortable and extremely painful and can take a long time to heal. They may also create mood and sleep disturbances, become infected and affect a programme rehabilitation as well as mobility and longer-term quality of life.

What heightens the risk of pressure ulcers occurring?

Those who are confined to a chair or bed for long periods of time due to a stroke, a spinal injury or dementia are much more likely to develop pressure ulcers. Also there are other risk factors such as:

• the need to stay in bed due to a serious illness or following surgery, or as a result of paralysis;
• obesity or malnutrition;
• lowered sensitivity and the ability to detect pain.

 

If you are at risk of developing pressure ulcers there is some action you can take to protect your skin and stop pressure ulcers which are the following:

• try to maintain your skin a dry condition as much as you can;
• try to keep active by moving as much as you are able to do like if you are unable to move your legs, try to move your upper body as much as you can;
• tell your doctor if you start to feel any pain on your skin including a burning sensation
• keep hydrated by drinking fluids regularly;
• if you smoke avoid it as it lowers the flow of blood to your skin;
• eat nutritious foods, including plenty of vegetables and fruits;
• avoid any firm massage, particularly over the bony areas of your body.

How to take care of your skin

• Apply moisturisers to the skin if it appears to be particularly dry, flaky or appears to crack too easily.
• In folds in the skin use a barrier cream.
• When cleaning your skin use a mild cleanser, not soap, and with great care dry the skin.
• When taking a shower use warm water only.

 

What really prevents pressure ulcers developing is moving around as much as possible. It is prolonged pressure on the same places on the skin that can lead to a pressure sore developing quickly. The following actions may help you to avoid this:

• Changing positions in the bed every thirty minutes and stand up if possible and walk a few steps.
• If you are mainly confined to a chair and you cannot stand or move much you can try leaning forward or moving side to side for two minutes in your chair which helps to take the constant pressure off your hips and bottom.
• You should try not to slump or slide forward when in a chair.

 

If the healthcare team responsible for your health is doing their job properly they should be helping you avoid the development of pressure sores by using special equipment which helps to reduce the pressure that becomes dominant in particular areas. This could include the use of cushions, dynamic mattresses and heel wedges.

Your doctor is your first port of call if you start to notice changes in your skin and he or she will decide how your situation should be best managed. Often pressure sores can be treated at home but sometimes a wound specialist referral is the best option or treatment in a hospital.

If you believe you haven’t received the right care in hospital or an aged care home to manage your pressure sores, you should seek help from a solicitor who will decide if you have a case to seek compensation due to negligence.