Table of contents:
- Why can pressure sores appear in bedridden patients?
- Identify the risk factors for the appearance of pressure sores
- Symptoms of pressure sores
- Guidelines for caring for and preventing pressure sores
Decubitus sores are also known as pressure sores (pressure ulcer / bedsores). Decubitus sores are open sores on the skin surface that often appear in patients who experience obstacles in their movement (mobility). If you or a member of your family is a patient on bed rest (bed rest) , this wound problem may be encountered frequently. For more information, read on the explanation below.
Why can pressure sores appear in bedridden patients?
There are several conditions in which the patient has to undergo treatment while resting for a long period of time. This treatment called bed rest is usually experienced by patients who are paralyzed, in a coma, have limited movement due to certain medical conditions, and others. Those who undergo bed rest treatment are more prone to experiencing pressure sores.
This is caused by the constant pressing of the skin and soft tissues against a hard surface, such as a chair, wheelchair, or bed for long periods of time, especially in the same position. This pressure causes a decrease in blood supply to the area, so that the area will be damaged or injured.
Identify the risk factors for the appearance of pressure sores
- Immobility, especially in patients with movement disorders, for example due to paralysis
- Spend more time in bed or in a wheelchair
- Skin that is prone to injury, especially in the elderly
- Unfulfilled nutrition, including lack of fluid intake
- History of diabetes mellitus
Symptoms of pressure sores
These sores generally form on the area of skin covering the bone. Do periodic checks from head to toe, especially in the following areas:
- Heels and ankles
- Knee
- Back
- Spine and coccyx
However, in each patient, the symptoms of decibitus sores can be different. This depends on the stage at which the wound appeared and whether or not it received proper treatment right away. The following are the characteristics of wounds in bed rest patients according to the stage of appearance:
- Stage 1: Redness of the skin or a change in skin color that varies. In addition, the skin may feel warm, painful, and a little hard to the touch.
- Stage 2: Sores appear on the skin surface with a pink-reddish skin color, may also be accompanied by blisters.
- Stage 3: The wound is getting deeper, it can also be accompanied by pus.
- Stage 4: The wound may be very deep, causing damage to muscles and bones. Maybe until it forms dead tissue, the skin is blackish in color.
- The final stage: The wound is yellow or green with a brown, pus-filled coating on top. At this point if the coating is wet, see a doctor immediately!
Guidelines for caring for and preventing pressure sores
- Do not rub the skin and the affected area too hard when showering.
- Use moisturizing creams and skin protectors.
- Keep surfaces clean and dry.
- Pay attention to the patient's nutritional intake, especially adequate calorie and protein needs.
- Use a bed base filled with jelly or air so that the air circulation is smoother and not damp.
- Use a base on the buttocks area to absorb moisture.
- Use a base in the form of a bolster or pillow on areas that are in contact with the bed (generally the buttocks, coccyx, heels, and calves).
- Never drag the patient to change positions (for example from bed to wheelchair) as this can cause injury to the skin surface.
- Change positions every 1-2 hours to reduce pressure or friction on just one section.
- Keep in control of the doctor regularly for further treatment.
