UNDERSTANDING
Palliative
Care
01.2022
Pressure
Sores
also known as pressure ulcers, bed sores
WHAT IS IT?
A pressure sore is an injury to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure or friction.
As the injury is caused by prolonged pressure or friction on a part of the body, people most at risk are those with a condition that limits their ability to change positions.
Pressure sores can affect any part of the body that's put under pressure, but they're most common on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and base of the spine.
As the injury is caused by prolonged pressure or friction on a part of the body, people most at risk are those with a condition that limits their ability to change positions.
Pressure sores can affect any part of the body that's put under pressure, but they're most common on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and base of the spine.
PREVENTION
It can be difficult to completely prevent pressure sores, but there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk. Strategies include:
Regularly changing your position – The first step in preventing a bedsore is reducing the pressure and friction that causes it. Change your position or use foam pads, pillows, or specialised mattresses. If you spend a lot of time in bed, try to move at least once every 2 hours. If you’re sitting, move every 15 minutes. You may need someone to help you. Adjust the elevation of your bed. If your bed can be elevated at the head, raise it no more than 30 degrees. This helps prevent shearing.
Select cushions or a mattress that relieves pressure. Use cushions or a special mattress to relieve pressure and help ensure that your body is well positioned. Do not use doughnut cushions, as they can focus pressure on surrounding tissue.
Checking your skin every day for early signs and symptoms of pressure sores – this will be done by your care team if you're in a hospital or care home
Keep skin clean and dry. Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do this cleansing routine regularly to limit the skin's exposure to moisture, urine and stool.
Protect the skin. Use moisture barrier creams to protect the skin from urine and stool. Change bedding and clothing frequently if needed. Watch for buttons on the clothing and wrinkles in the bedding that irritate the skin.
Having a healthy, balanced diet high in protein, vitamins A and C, and the minerals iron and zinc. These are all good for your skin. Also, drink plenty of water.
Regularly changing your position – The first step in preventing a bedsore is reducing the pressure and friction that causes it. Change your position or use foam pads, pillows, or specialised mattresses. If you spend a lot of time in bed, try to move at least once every 2 hours. If you’re sitting, move every 15 minutes. You may need someone to help you. Adjust the elevation of your bed. If your bed can be elevated at the head, raise it no more than 30 degrees. This helps prevent shearing.
Select cushions or a mattress that relieves pressure. Use cushions or a special mattress to relieve pressure and help ensure that your body is well positioned. Do not use doughnut cushions, as they can focus pressure on surrounding tissue.
Checking your skin every day for early signs and symptoms of pressure sores – this will be done by your care team if you're in a hospital or care home
Keep skin clean and dry. Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do this cleansing routine regularly to limit the skin's exposure to moisture, urine and stool.
Protect the skin. Use moisture barrier creams to protect the skin from urine and stool. Change bedding and clothing frequently if needed. Watch for buttons on the clothing and wrinkles in the bedding that irritate the skin.
Having a healthy, balanced diet high in protein, vitamins A and C, and the minerals iron and zinc. These are all good for your skin. Also, drink plenty of water.
IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMEANT
As with prevention, the first and most important thing to do with any pressure sore is to stop the pressure. Change your position or use foam pads, pillows, or specialised mattresses. If you spend a lot of time in bed, try to move at least once every 2 hours. If you’re sitting, move every 15 minutes. You may need someone to help you.
IDENTIFICATION
TREATMEANT
As with prevention, the first and most important thing to do with any pressure sore is to stop the pressure. Change your position or use foam pads, pillows, or specialised mattresses. If you spend a lot of time in bed, try to move at least once every 2 hours. If you’re sitting, move every 15 minutes. You may need someone to help you.
STAGE 4 sores are the most serious. Some may even affect your muscles and ligaments.
The sore is deep and big. Skin has turned black and shows signs of infection (red edges, pus, odour, heat, and/or drainage.) You may be able to see tendons, muscles, and bone. consult a medical practioner right away as these wounds need immediate attention, and may require surgery.