How do you avoid getting pressure sores? Why you shouldn’t drag patients with pressure sores?  How long does a pressure sore take to develop?

Keep reading for the answers to these questions and more.

Bed or pressure sores are spots with deterioration of the skin area and its underlying tissue.

It begins with redness, irritation, pain or itchiness of the skin. If not treated, it leads to deepening skin loss, a high chance of infection and in worst cases death.

Preventing Pressure Sores from Developing

Pressure sores also known as bed sores, decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers are a result of friction, pressure and wetness. They can develop in under two hours, depending on how much pressure is applied and the general health of the individual.

Pressure sores can be developed at any age by someone who is bed-bound or chair bound and cannot reposition themselves.  If not treated or if a condition like diabetes stops them from healing, they could become life threatening.

Prevention is by far the best approach to stopping pressure sores. They are easier to prevent than to treat and prevention will avoid costly medical treatment down the road.

Here are 5 proven strategies to prevent pressure sores:

1. Keep the Skin Dry and Clean – Clean skin with lukewarm water and soap on a regular basis. Use moisturizer to keep the skin supple. Use non-caking baby powder to maintain dry and friction free skin. Make sure the skin is free of feces and urine.

2. Turn the patient twice an hour or at most once every two hours. For those in wheelchairs, shift weight from left to right every 15 – 20 minutes as this gets the blood circulating.

3. Eat A Healthier Diet – Include food high in protein, Zinc and vitamin C all of which help to renew the body’s cells. Keep the skin hydrated by drinking lots of water, natural fruit juices and milk. A healthy diet helps to prevent sores from forming and heals any that develop much quicker.

4. Get A Cushion – The bony parts of the body develop pressure sores much quicker. A good pressure cushion can help to relieve the pressure of bones rubbing on hard surfaces.

5. Carefully Reposition – Changing the sitting or lying position regularly helps to relieve pressure sores. This can be tricky because of the weight of the person in the bed or wheelchair. When you shift to a new position, you might rub body parts against a hard surface and this can result in pressure sores. Using special sliding/gliding sheets will eliminate the pressure while moving therefore making repositioning much easier and safer.

Use these 5 proven tips on a regular basis to prevent pressure sores from developing.