Everything You Need to Know about Bed Sores and How to treat them

Bed sores are a result of pressure that is applied to the skin for prolonged periods of time. The pressure that is applied to the skin eventually begins to cut off the blood supply to the area, and when this happens, sores appear on the skin. Bedridden patients are more likely to get bed sores because they spend so much time lying in the same position, and this only adds to their discomfort, so it is important that the sores be treated immediately and constantly inspected for any signs of infection.

The Areas Most at Risk for Bed Sores

The areas of the body that are more at risk for bed sores are those where the skin covers bony areas, such as the, buttocks, heels and hips. In order to take prevention measures to stop these sores from appearing, caregivers need to be aware of the areas where bed sores are most common so that they can inspect them on a regular basis. Searching for the first signs of bed sores can assist the caregiver in taking steps to treat the problem because the sores become more severe.

Preventing Bed Sores

Inspecting there areas where bed sores are most commonly found is one of the most important steps in preventing them from occurring or treating the first signs of bed sores before they get worse. The first signs of this problem usually include swollen, torn or discolored skin. Areas that are already beginning to form sores should be inspected regularly for any sign of infection.

A healthy diet is necessary in the prevention of these bed sores, but there are also products that can be purchased to ensure that pressure is taken off the area most likely to be affected. The products that you can purchase to prevent this problem include padded protectors, pillows, specialized mattresses and air cushions. By supporting vulnerable areas with these products, the area most likely to be affected by the problem will not be placed under undo pressure for long periods of time.

Measures for Cleaning and Treating the Bed Sores

If bed sores have begun to appear, it is essential that you clean and dress them properly to prevent infections from occurring. Firstly, you will need to clean the area with a prescribed solution or a saline solution. Once the area is clean, scabs and torn skin must be removed before it is patted dry and dressed. When dressing the wound, you must remember to keep the wound moist, but make sure that the surrounding areas are kept dry.

Inspecting and Cleaning Bed Sores Regularly

Bed sores are painful and they can make patients very uncomfortable. Cleaning and treating bed sores is a constant process, and the patient should be inspected and treated on a regular basis. These sores can be very difficult to treat, and so it is always better to take preventative measures to lower the chances that patients will develop bed sores in the first place.