It is prolonged pressure that cuts off the blood supply to the skin, causing the skin and other tissue to die.
The damage may occur in as little time as 12 hours of pressure, but it might not be noticed until days later when the skin begins to break down.
Bedsores occur at areas of abnormal pressure on the body:
In a wheelchair, this is usually the tailbone (coccyx) or buttocks area, shoulder blades, spine, or backs of the arms or legs.
In a bed, they may occur on the back of the head, ears, shoulder blades, hips, lower back, tailbone, or the backs or sides of the knees, elbows, ankles, or toes.
The pain level associated with bedsores depends on whether or not there is feeling in the area.
Bedsores occur in stages:
Stage 1 has unbroken, but pink or ashen (in darker skin) discoloration with perhaps slight itch or tenderness.
Stage 2 has red, swollen skin with a blister or open areas.
Stage 3 has a crater-like ulcer extending deeper into the skin.
Stage 4 extends to deep fat, muscle, or bone and may have a thick black scab (eschar).
Skinsight
Cause
Sustained pressure being placed on a particular part of the body
Interface pressure – the pressure of the body pressing the skin down onto a hard surface
Shear – the pressure that occurs when layers of skin are forced to slide over one another ie when one slides into a chair.
Friction – pressure caused by something rubbing against the surface of the skin, such as a mattress or clothing
Have moist skin (dampness such as from perspiration or incontinence) which breaks the skin down.
Mobility issues-caused by any reason ie. Disease or paralysis
Mental health – doesn’t tend to look after their skin very well.
Source: NPUAP.org
Source: NPUAP.org ' RED SWOLLEN RASH OCCUR ON ANY BONY AREA OR AREA OF PRESSURE'
Source: NPUAP.org
Source: YouTube
Source: Podiatry Today
Symptoms
Look at pictures, does it resemble to one‘s rash?
Skin or rash is breaking down (open wound) and being exposed due to in one position all the time or putting pressure on one particular part of the body (where there is little fat)?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if one has or develop:
Do not attempt self-care for any ulcer beyond stage 2 in appearance.
In the early stages (1 and 2) of bedsores, the area may heal with relief of pressure and by applying care to the affected skin.
A good diet will aid skin healing, especially by taking in enough vitamin C and zinc, which are available as supplements.
For effective skin care:
If the skin is not broken, gently wash the area with a mild soap and water.
Clean open sores on the skin with salt water (saline, which can be made by boiling 1 quart of water with 1 teaspoon of salt for 5 minutes and kept cooled in a sterile container).
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and then cover with a soft gauze dressing.
Be sure to keep urine and stool away from affected areas.
To relieve pressure:
Change positions often (every 15 minutes in a chair and every 2 hours in a bed).
Use special soft materials or supports (pads, cushions, and mattresses) to reduce pressure against the skin.
Skinsight
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Pressure Ulcer/Bed Sore in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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