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Bedsores
Bedsores are wounds that appear on the body which are often called pressure ulcers or skin ulcers. The medical term is 'decubitus ulcers'. There are different factors which cause these sores to appear. They are the result of constant pressure on one part of the body such as the elbows, knees, and the triangular bone at the base of the spine. People who are bedridden are often the most at risk for bedsores. Although they are one of the most preventable problems when it comes to fatalities, bedsores are one of the leading causes of death from complications of medical treatment. The number one spot is taken by adverse drug reactions. What Are Bedsores?Bedsores start with redness on the surface of the skin that does not go away after the cause is eliminated. When pressure is applied to the area it does not relieve the redness. This area may be rough or have a different feel, be hotter or cooler, and may be painful to touch. The next stage of the bedsore is visible damage to the skin. It may look like a blister. When the skin ulcer escalates to the next level it will be under the skin. When this happens there may well be damage beneath the skin that increases the size of the sore and it may be quite larger than the surface wound appears. Stage four is the point at which the bedsore has made it to the muscle, tendons, and sometimes the bone. The last stage which is called unstageable is when the bedsore is covered with dead skin cells and the wound is so deep the medical professionals do not know to what point in the body it extends. How Can We Prevent Bedsores?One of the major ways of preventing skin ulcers, especially in those who are bedridden or in one position much of the time, is to move the person at least once every two hours. The pressure is what causes the sores to appear. This can be from laying or sitting in one position for hours at a time. Using pillows under a person’s back and buttocks will also give them some support and relieve the pressure from certain areas of the body. The heels are another spot that can become irritated and this irritation can turn into a skin ulcer. Pillows under the legs can relieve the pressure on this area. One thing that is extremely important is to maintain the repositioning of someone who cannot do this for themselves. This must be done consistently or it will not help. In the event that someone has a spinal cord injury, they may be paralyzed and it is a constant battle to stay ahead of developing bedsores. The person should be inspected daily to make sure there are no areas that look suspicious. How Are Bedsores Treated?One thing that has been found to work when treating bedsores is a balanced diet. The person who has a poor diet is at a greater risk of developing bedsores and the sores are more difficult to heal. High protein diets are conducive to healing and if the person has no appetite, a supplement such as Boost can be very beneficial. Even using this supplement in between meals can help to aid in healing. Physical therapy is another way to help prevent and treat skin ulcers. The motion of exercise helps to increase blood flow to the body. This can help people who have problems that are related to poor circulation such as diabetes. The improved blood flow to the tissues which is achieved by exercise can lessen the incidence of bed sores and promote healing when they are present. Massage is not recommended because this can actually cause more damage than good. Active or passive exercises are recommended for those who cannot exercise on their own. Moisture is another culprit that will cause bedsores. The patient who is incontinent must be kept dry and clean to prevent skin ulcers from forming. A good ointment can be used as well to help prevent sores from forming. In conclusion, one thing is certain; prevention is one of the most important aspects to keep skin ulcers from forming in the first place but should they occur, the more armed you are with the right methods to help eliminate them before they become a real problem, the better you are going to fare. The key to bedsores is to prevent them in the first place but if this is not possible, treating them as quickly as possible will help to keep them from becoming a full-fledged problem.
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