How to Prevent Bedsores

Bedsores occur when pressure point areas are not relieved. The skin breaks down from lack of mobility when people are confined to wheelchairs or their bed. Bedsores affect people who have paralysis and the elderly. Areas include buttocks, ankles, feet, and back. There are different methods to use to prevent bedsores from occurring.

Buttocks:

People who are immobile should sit no longer than two hours at a time. Care workers or family members should help position you on your side or stomach, repositioning you every two hours. Use medical mattress that includes Low Air Loss Mattresses or Gel Mattresses can help prevent bedsores. Use the proper cushions when sitting up. Roho High Profile Cushion, Medical Sheepskin, Pressure Smart XD Cushion-it, are cushions that are ideal in helping prevent bedsores. Ask your physical therapist or physician to help you choose the right cushion. Medical cushions will not stop the bedsores. It is critical that you do not sit longer than two hours at a time. During the two hours if you have some mobility shift from side to side to relieve pressure from the buttocks. Care workers or family members can help you shift if you have no mobility. Check the buttocks daily looking for red areas, swelling, hot spots or breakdown of the skin. Red areas, hot spots and swelling can be treated at home by simply staying off your buttocks until these symptoms are no longer present. Breakdown of the skin will need to be seen by your physician.

Ankles:

Bedsores on the ankles can occur from shoes or laying in bed on your side for a long period of time. Diabetics should wear the proper shoes and check their feet daily. Ankles that have red areas, hot spots, or swelling can be treated by cutting a hole the size of your ankle in the foam, place the foam over your foot making sure the hole is on the ankle around the areas of concern. Call your physician for other methods you can use.

Feet:

People who are bedridden because of illness or infirmity lay on their backs for long periods of time are acceptable for breakdown of the skin on the heel. While laying in bed on your back prop your feet up on a pillow making sure your heel is hanging over the pillow but not resting on the mattress. Diabetics often get ulcers on or around their toes. Lack of sensation makes diabetics more acceptable to ulcers. Ask your physician to write you a prescription for diabetic shoes. They will measure your feet to make sure you receive the right shoes.