subject: Bed Sores Prevention Measures You Can Take [print this page] Bed Sores Prevention Measures You Can Take
Bed sores are easier to prevent than to treat and this article will share preventative measures you can take as well as information about the medical symptoms, causes and treatments available if bed sores are already present.
Symptoms of bed sores start as an area of red skin, which is usually over a bony prominence.
If a person is confined to bed rest, the prevalence of these sores will be higher overlying the hips, spine, lower back, shoulder blades, elbows and heels.
If a person is in a wheelchair, sores may be noticed on the buttocks or tailbone, lower back, legs, heels and feet.
If pressure is not relieved from these red areas an ulcer can develop. This ulcer could have a foul odor, tenderness, be warm to touch and possible drain fluid.
The sores are usually allowed to progress because most persons who succumb to decubitus ulcers are chronically ill, bed ridden, and/or have very poor circulation or sensation. These factors make the person unaware of the growing ulcer.
For prevention of bed sores it is imperative to frequently change the position of the person. A sore can begin to form in just a few hours of immobility. It is ideal to have the person change position every 15 minutes especially if they are in a wheelchair and every 2 hours if they are bed ridden, even during the night.
As for treatment, since the affected person may already have poor circulation to area of the ulcer, healing will be slow. It is very important to relieve any further pressure on the damaged area.
