Medical Monday's - Pressure sores; prevention and treatment

Pressure sores are a pain, literally.  Pressure sores occur when there is too much pressure on the skin for a long period of time.  This pressure limits blood flow to the skin making it vulnerable to damage.

Other names for pressure sores include:

·         Pressure ulcer

·         Bedsore

·         Skin breakdown

·         Decubitus ulcer

·         Decubiti (plural)

The most common places for pressure sores for individuals with limited mobility or in a wheelchair include:

·         Back of the head

·         Neck

·         Back of the arms and legs

·         Shoulder blades

·         Spine or sacral area

·         Elbow

·         Buttocks

Prevention:  To reduce the risk of developing a bedsore, keep the skin healthy and dry.  Move the patient at least every 2 hours for people in bed and at least every 15 minutes for individuals in wheelchairs.  Maintain good nutrition to enhance overall health and wound healing.  Exercising is important, even if in bed as they improve circulation.  Speak to a health care professional regarding the different ways to care for pressure ulcers.

Here are the 4 stages of pressure sores:

1.    The skin will feel warm to the touch and will look red. 

2.    There may be an open sore or blister that could be painful with discoloured skin around it. 

3.    The tissue damage below the skin’s surface may create a crater-like appearance.

4.    Bones, tendons and muscles may be visible due to severe damage to the skin and tissue.  An infection may appear. 

Treatment:  It is imperative that you take care of your pressure sore; if it turns into an infection, it can take longer to heal and can spread elsewhere in the body.  Stages 1 or 2 will heal if cared for properly.  Stages 3 and 4 are harder to treat and may take a long time to heal.  All pressure sores can be cared for at home.

Patient care remains a priority focus for us and we’re proud that our products are used throughout Canada”, says James Singh, Manager, Medical Mart Mississauga.  “With the appropriate measures, patients can significantly reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers”, continues Singh.  For example, positioning pillows and matrasses alleviate pressure.  Foam positioning wedges can be placed anywhere a patient requires support.  Heal & elbow protectors help to redistribute pressure and reduce friction. 

Apply the regimen you and your healthcare provider have put together to practice the quickest recovery and return to your best quality of life.

Visit Medical Mart Heartland Town Centre for all your health care needs.  
550 Matheson Blvd. West, Unit 101, Mississauga ON L5R 4B8
Easily accessible by bus route 66 McLaughlin (McLaughlin and Matheson)
Phone: (905) 624-2011 Toll Free: (800) 379-4780
store@medimart.com www.medimarthomehealthcare.ca
www.facebook.com/medimartretail YouTube
Hours: Monday – Friday:  9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday:  10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only
and is not a substitute for professional medical advice for medical conditions. You
should not use this information to diagnose a health problem. Please consult a qualified
healthcare provider.