How to Prevent Pressure Sores

Everyone worries about problems with their skin, but people who have disabilities must be concerned with more than the appearance of their faces. People who use wheelchairs or are bed bound must be aware of the condition of the skin on the parts of their bodies often directly against a wheelchair or bed. These parts are the shoulder blades, back, buttocks,thighs, and legs. Lifelong wheelchair use due to having cerebral palsy causes me to be among those who have pressure sores as a concern.

Keep skin clean and dry.

When bathing be sure to use soaps or cleansers that moisturize but do not leave a residue. Be certain they will not irritate skin due to perfumes or dyes. If you have never used a particular type of soap or cleanser use it on a small sensitive area such as the inside of your wrist a least once and wait a day or two before using it on the rest of the body. Irritation can cause itching and swelling which may tempt people to scratch the skin; opening it. One of the symptoms of a pressure sore is severe itching. Product irritation will only worsen the desire to scratch the area. Avoid the temptation to scratch, scratching could open a young pressure and lead to an infection.

When bathing affected areas be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Moisture can weaken already delicate skin around a pressure sore. Keeping skin clean and dry is key to preventing and treating pressure sores. If a sore is open, always consult a doctor about treatment. If a sore opens, it is best to clean, dry, and dress the sore with a sterile bandage. Once a sore is open it should be cleaned and dressed at least twice daily. A doctor or other medical professional may prescribe that dressings be changed more frequently depending on a wound's age. Be sure to clarify with your doctor how many times a day a wound dressing should be changed.

Wear the right clothes.

Try not to wear clothes that are too tight or too loose fitting. Loose clothes can crease under the body and if fabrics are very stiff,these creases can come very close to actually cutting the skin. Loose clothing can do the same or cause the body to slip around inside the clothes. Some fabrics aren't suitable for people who use wheelchairs or are bed bound.

Choose clothing made of soft natural fabrics. Breathable fabrics help moisture draw away from the body. Natural fabrics are also softer on the skin making any friction less severe. The fit of the clothing is also important. If clothing is too tight it can hold perspiration to the skin, hastening a pressure sore or skin breakdown. Tighter clothing can also worsen already poor circulation. Clothes that are too loose can fold and crinkle under the body. If someone can't move or shift their weight easily, the uncomfortable garments may remain that way for several hours and slowly rub and breakdown the skin.

Move Around and Pay Attention.

Shifting weight several times an hour and exercise on a regular basis can help relieve pressure on the body. Check skin on the back of the body daily, the shoulder blades, back, buttocks, and legs are especially prone to skin break down. Reducing pressure on these parts frequently and for longer periods of time whenever possible is best. If you are unable to do this alone, ask a caregiver, friend, or partner for help. New pressure sores are marked by red non-blanching skin (skin that does not turn white or a lighter tone when gently pressed) and itching. Small pieces of the top layer of skin may also flake off.

Paying attention to the types of food you eat will also help. Cut back on fried foods and refined sugars, these foods tend to be full of empty calories and fat with little to no nutritional value. Increase fruit, vegetable, and whole grain, intake wherever possible. These foods along with plenty of water will help to keep skin healthy and strong. In the event that a pressure sore does occur despite preventative steps being taken, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Sores like these are fairly preventable with the right treatment of the skin and body.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Mayo Clinic

Merck Manual Home Edition

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