Thursday, March 4, 2010

BEDSORES

Bedsores can occur when a person is bed ridden , unconscious, unable to sense pain or immobile.
Bedsores are ulcers that occur on area of the skin that are under pressure from lying in bed,sitting in a wheel chair,prolonged period of time.
WHY DOES A BEDSORE DEVELOPS?
It develops when blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than 2-3 hours.As the skin dries ,the bedsore starts as a red, painful area,which eventually turns purple.Left untreated ,the skin can break open and become infected.A bedsore can become deep extending into the muscle.Bedsores often occurs in the buttock area[on the SACRUM or ILIAC CREST],or on the heels of the feet.
PREVENTION
-Inspecting the skin for areas of redness
-Frequent turning and repositioning
Providing soft padding in wheel chairs and beds to reduce pressure
Keeping the skin clean and dry
TREATMENT
-Removing pressure on affected area
Protecting the wound with medicated gauze
Keeping the wound clean
Medication

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