Pressure Sores

A wise doctor does not mutter incantations over a sore that needs the knife - Sophocles

Pressure Sores
Pressure Sores

image by: Loviia Terengganu

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Simple steps to protect against pressures sores (bedsores) in a nursing home.

No one likes to think of the nasty terms, "pressure sores" or "bedsores", but they are a fact of life for residents in nursing homes. The question is whether anything can be done to prevent pressure sores for bedridden residents of nursing homes.  The answer is an unequivocal "YES".

First, what is a pressure sore?  A pressure sore is an area of skin breakdown that begins as redness and inflammation on the skin surface and can progress to dead, pussy skin that must be surgically debrided (cut off).  The most common site for a pressure sore is the buttocks or sacrum (area just above the buttocks).

Why do pressure sores develop?  Pressure sores develop as a result of unrelieved…

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 Simple steps to protect against pressures sores (bedsores) in a nursing home.

No one likes to think of the nasty terms, "pressure sores" or "bedsores", but they are a fact of life for residents in nursing homes. The question is whether anything can be done to prevent pressure sores for bedridden residents of nursing homes. The answer is an unequivocal "YES".

Pressure Ulcers

Common sites include the sacrum (tailbone), back, buttocks, heels, back of the head, and elbows. If not adequately treated, open ulcers can become a source of pain, disability, and infection.

National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) serves as the authoritative voice for improved patient outcomes in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment through public policy, education and research.

Bed Sore FAQs

Answers for families coping with pressure sores developed in nursing homes, hospital or care facilities.

APlaceforMom

Family members with someone in long-term care need to be knowledgeable and vigilant about decubitus ulcers -- the dreaded bedsores.

eMedicineHealth

Pressure sores most often form on the skin over bony areas where there is little cushion between the bone and the skin. Most pressure sores form on the lower part of the body, including over the tailbone and on the back along the spine, on the buttocks, on the hips, and on the heels. Other common spots are the back of the head; the backs of the ears; the shoulders, elbows, and ankles; and between the knees where the legs rub together.

FamilyDoctor.org

There are 4 stages of pressure sores. Symptoms at each stage include the following: Stage 1. The affected skin looks red and may feel warm to the touch. The area may also burn, hurt or itch. In people who have dark skin, the pressure sore may have a blue or purple tint. Stage 2. The affected skin is more damaged in a stage 2 pressure sore, which can result in an open sore that looks like an abrasion or a blister. The skin around the wound may discolored. The area is very painful. Stage 3. These types of pressure sores usually have a crater-like appearance due to increased damage to the tissue below the skin's surface. This makes the wound deeper. Stage 4. This is most serious type of pressure sore. The skin and tissue is severely damaged, causing a large wound. Infection can occur at this stage. Muscles, bones, tendons and joints can be affected by stage 4 pressure sores.

MedlinePlus

Pressure sores are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for too long. They commonly form where your bones are close to your skin, such as your ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. You are at risk if you are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are unable to change your position. Pressure sores can cause serious infections, some of which are life-threatening. They can be a problem for people in nursing homes.

MerckManuals

Prognosis is excellent for early-stage ulcers; neglected and late-stage ulcers pose risk of serious infection and are difficult to heal. Treatment includes pressure reduction, avoidance of friction and shearing forces, and diligent wound care. Sometimes, skin grafts or myocutaneous flaps are needed to facilitate healing.

NHS

It's estimated that just under half a million people in the UK will develop at least one pressure ulcer in any given year. This is usually people with an underlying health condition – for example, around 1 in 20 people who are admitted to hospital with a sudden illness will develop a pressure ulcer. People over 70 years old are particularly vulnerable to pressure ulcers, as they are more likely to have mobility problems and ageing skin.

Patient

There is no conclusive research evidence to guide clinicians' decision-making about which dressings are most effective in pressure ulcer management.

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