subject: Bed Sores - The SLOW DEATH [print this page] bed sores are ulcers with different potential degrees of seriousness, showing up on human bodies. Decubitus ulcers by nature, these types also called as pressure sores. The seriousness of this type of sore can vary in between a gentle light red temporary place on the human body that gets taken out within a couple of hours of detaching the pressure to glaring ulcers which pierce deeply in the human body exposing the particular inner organs as well as bone tissues. This manner of ulcer can potentially become incredibly agonizing, and the ones bedridden due to prolonged periods of illness, paralysis and fractured bones are even known to perish from septic problems taking place as a result of acute bedsores. Thus, being familiar with and taking the correct care of health to avoid and get rid of these types of ulcerous lesions is very critical.
Symptoms
There are four levels of a bed sore based upon the degree of severity. The amount have been formally listed in the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. The actual stages include the following.
Stage 1: The actual sore starts off looking like a constant pink or reddish skin. It might itch or perhaps hurt, including a touch within this vicinity may feel padded along with warm.
Level 2: Skin loss starts occurring - both external and inner layers of the skin start getting lost - and the pressure sores begin resembling blisters.
Stage 3: The bed ulcer at this point goes deeply into the tissues below the skin. A hollow wound is clearly visible. By at this point it is actually quite painful.
Level 4: Right now there is injury to underlying muscles as well as probable exposure of bones. The ulcer now is at very advanced stages.
Causes
Bed sores develop from continual pressure applied on a certain portion of the body. These are generally typically seen to happen more above the portions possessing bones as well as cartilages. The leading reasons for these types of chronic wounds include the following.
Pressure: Sustained pressure applied on some parts of the body is the most frequent reason for catching these ulcers. This happens most often in instances where the patient is immobile. Cases of immobility are fractures and paralyses, to name a few. The tissues beneath constant pressure get deprived of the specified amounts of nutrients including oxygen. This leads to bed sores.
Friction: Friction taking place often enough at given regions of one's body can potentially bring about these bed sores. Switching side-to-side constantly as well as skidding down the wheelchairs are some primary sources of damaging friction.
Prevention
They say, prevention is preferable to cure. Your very best alternative to protect yourself against decubitus ulcers would be to protect yourself. There are devices specially made for these purposes. The actual unit to use would depend on the actual depth and stage of the ulcer, including its level of seriousness and position of the sore wound on the body. Generally, medical insurances cover the cost of such devices - but it is best to double-check with your insurance provider before you decide to commit.
Finally, ignoring bed ulcers can result in severe complications. This includes but is not limited to cellulitis, sepsis, joint infections, bone issues as well as cancer. So it is critically important that you take ample safety measures to save yourself from bed sores.
