How to Manage & Prevent Pressure Ulcers

1. How to Manage & Prevent Pressure Ulcers? If a patient is bedridden or confined to a chair for a significant amount of time, he/she should be careful about the risks of developing Pressure Ulcers. It is a chronic, non-healing wound that can be difficult to treat and requires frequent positional changes, good hygiene, skincare as well as a healthy diet. What is a Pressure Ulcer? Also known as Bedsores, or Pressure Sores, pressure ulcers form where there is a long pressure on specific areas of the body and it results in the skin breaking down due to constant rubbing or pressing against a harder surface, such as a chair or bed. They can form anywhere but the most common body parts include elbows, knees, heels, tailbone, and ankles, etc. The lack of blood supply can cause the surrounding skin tissues to become damaged or die. Therefore, the people who: ● Are overweight or underweight ● Spend most of the time in a bed or chair ● Have decreased feeling in an area of the body ● Or are not able to change their position etc. at a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers. If a patient is bedridden or notices any symptoms of Pressure Ulcer, they should immediately contact Pressure Ulcer Treatment Los Angeles.

2. Preventing & Managing Pressure Ulcer Pressure ulcers can be managed and prevented efficiently by following a few steps we have shared here. Let’s have a look: 1. Promote Frequent Position Changes - Patients suffering from pressure ulcers are often advised by their surgeons/nurse practitioners to move or regularly change their position. It helps relieve the pressure on wounds that have already developed as well as helps prevent the formation of pressure ulcers. Doing a range of motion exercises also improves blood circulation. For example, a patient in a wheelchair should change their position every 15 minutes while in case of bed-confined, it can range about every 2 hours. Since pressure ulcers commonly occur on the tailbone, shoulders, or heels due to prolonged sitting, movement is essential. 2. Check Skin For Signs Of Pressure Ulcers - Pressure ulcers can be developed in a matter of a few hours. Therefore, the patients must check the skin daily for any signs of pressure ulcers. In case of any increased soreness and redness on any part of the body due to being in the same position, it becomes even more important. It could be a sign of Stage I Pressure Sore, but if the patient can move, & adjust position, the risks can be reduced.

3. 3. Cleaning & Dressing - Pressure ulcer care & treatment depends on the severity of the wounds. Cleaning & dressing a wound includes the following: ● Wash the affected skin gently with mild soap and water. ● Dry skin well ● Apply a suitable dressing to protect the wound from foreign materials and increase the wound healing process. The dressings can be alginate, hydrocolloid, and many others such as foams, films, gels, and antimicrobial (antibiotic) dressings, etc. The patients can ask Wound Care in Orange County to know the appropriate type of dressing. ● Use a moisture barrier to heal the wound quickly and protect the area from bodily fluids. Avoid using topical antiseptic or antimicrobial (antibiotic) creams and ointments. ● The doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to treat an infected pressure ulcer in case of a serious infection such as blood poisoning, bacterial infection or bone infection, etc. 4. Diet And Nutrition - The patients are advised to follow a healthy, and balanced diet that has enough protein and a good combination of vitamins and minerals to speed up the healing. The patients can consult a dietician and have a suitable diet plan. Also, they need to intake sufficient amounts of fluids & drinks to avoid dehydration. 5. Use Specialty Bedding - The patients should use a mattress, bed, and cushions that help them sit or lie protectively. Depending on the need of the patient, the doctors may suggest specialty beds such as heel protectors, or special, cushioned padding to reduce the amount of pressure on affected areas of the body. 6. Keep the Skin Dry and Clean - Apart from these preventive measures, wound care Los Angeles also suggests patients to keep the skin clean and dry to avoid any infection. Incontinence is one of the biggest contributory factors in the development of pressure ulcers. When it gets combined with the limited ability to reposition, it increases the risk. Therefore, ointments and moisturizing creams are essential to create a barrier between the skin and infection. 7. Treat Chronic Health Conditions Effectively - Various chronic diseases can increase the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Some chronic diseases affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system and may result in poor blood circulation and increased risk of bedsores. Therefore, it is essential to treat chronic diseases on time and effectively to prevent the development or worsening of pressure sores. These are some tips that can be applied to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development. Start implementing these tips as soon as possible if you have any signs of pressure ulcers and consult with wound care specialist Los Angeles for suitable medical treatment.