Bedridden patients require close attention from both healthcare professionals and relatives. After overcoming the acute phase of the underlying illness and stabilizing the patient's general condition, there may come a time when one has to deal with pressure ulcers. Typically, a doctor at "Dobrobut" provides all necessary recommendations regarding the treatment and care of the skin in affected areas. The caregiver should be aware of the basic principles of care and be capable of performing specific manipulations to prevent the spread of pressure ulcers and alleviate the patient's condition.
Pressure ulcers develop when prolonged pressure is applied to specific areas of the skin, usually over bony prominences such as the buttocks, heels, and tailbone. Blood circulation in this area decreases, leading to tissue damage and ulcer formation.
Who is at risk:
- Patients who are constantly bedridden or in a wheelchair;
- Individuals with limited mobility due to illness or injury;
- Elderly individuals with fragile skin and cardiovascular issues.
In addition to pressure, the following factors can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers: friction, shear, poor nutrition, and moisture. It’s crucial to be able to recognize the early signs, which include persistent redness or other discoloration of the skin, increased skin temperature, swelling, or heightened sensitivity in affected areas.
General Principles of Treating Pressure Ulcers in Bedridden Patients
In the initial stage of pressure ulcer formation, signs can be noticed without additional examination – the skin in problematic areas becomes thin, excessively dry, starts to peel, and takes on a bluish-gray tint. Such changes require more careful care and adherence to primary recommendations.
First and foremost, it is essential to ensure proper positioning of the patient. If pressure ulcers are just beginning to form, a special anti-decubitus rubber ring can help prevent the formation of pathological spots on the buttocks and tailbone. For those who are completely immobile, special mattresses can be used.
At this early stage, home remedies can be applied. Effective treatments include applying creams and ointments based on sea buckthorn oil, as well as wiping the affected areas with camphor alcohol every 2-3 hours. It is important to remember that all products should be applied using gentle circular motions.
The second stage of pressure ulcers is characterized by the onset of necrotic changes and the appearance of ulcers on the skin, so medicinal preparations are absolutely necessary to prevent infectious complications and accelerate wound healing. The primary treatment for pressure ulcers involves antiseptics such as Chlorhexidine. This antiseptic solution should be used to cleanse the wounds several times a day, preferably after each urination or bowel movement. After such primary treatment, the wound should be treated with Solcoseryl or Levomekol. Periodic application of hydrogel dressings is also advised, especially if the pressure ulcers have appeared on the buttocks.
The third and fourth stages of pressure ulcers involve necrosis of soft tissues, and surgical intervention is necessary. Treating pressure ulcers of any degree is best done under medical supervision, but necrosis is a serious issue that requires qualified medical help. The measures taken in this case include:
- flushing the wounds with Chlorhexidine several times a day;
- surgical removal of necrotic tissues;
- using healing and absorbent dressings.
Only after completely removing necrotic tissue and pus from the wound can specific medications be applied.
Treatment for this condition is always prolonged, and sometimes medical interventions may need to be performed daily for several months. However, knowing what early-stage pressure ulcers look like on the tailbone can help prevent their further development.
What Can Be Done to Prevent the Development of Pressure Ulcers
There are several care guidelines for bedridden patients that, when followed, can help avoid the formation of ulcerative lesions in certain areas. Specialists recommend:
- changing the patient's position every 2 hours – turning them from their back to the left or right side and vice versa, raising the upper body or lower limbs if permitted by the doctor;
- regularly inspecting the skin for any early signs of pressure ulcers;
- maintaining cleanliness and dryness;
- using specialized mattresses that are filled with either small polypropylene beads or air – this ensures even distribution of pressure on the patient's body;
- changing bed linens and diapers as frequently as possible during involuntary urination or defecation – fecal matter and urine significantly increase the risk of pressure ulcer development;
- monitoring nutrition and ensuring adequate fluid intake;
- wiping the entire body of the patient with a wet sponge every 10-14 days (not less frequently, but more often if possible), preferably using soap.
It's essential to understand that only regular examination of the bedridden patient and timely detection of primary signs of pressure ulcer formation will allow for the prevention of necrotic processes in soft tissues. Official medicine has recorded cases where patients who were bedridden for years or decades had no pressure ulcers. This is the result of quality and competent care. Unfortunately, there are also verified instances where ulcerative lesions of the skin were diagnosed only after 1-2 months of being bedridden.
For more detailed information on treating pressure ulcers on the heels of patients, the effectiveness of home remedies, and when surgical help is necessary, you can visit the website https://dobrobut.com/.
Questions for the Doctor
Relatives of patients often ask doctors the following questions regarding pressure ulcers.
1. What causes the formation of pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers develop due to prolonged pressure on the skin, particularly in areas where bony prominences restrict blood flow to the tissues. This can be exacerbated by immobility, friction, and high moisture levels.
2. How can I help prevent the formation of pressure ulcers?
Ensure that the patient is helped to change positions regularly every two hours. Use specialized mattresses and cushions to reduce pressure and keep the skin clean and dry.
3. How often should the condition of the patient's skin be monitored?
It is recommended to check the skin at every change of position or diaper. Regular inspections will help identify early signs of damage in a timely manner.
4. Can pressure ulcers be treated at home?
Early-stage treatment can be performed at home, adhering to the doctor’s recommendations. However, if significant lesions appear, it is important to seek qualified medical assistance.
5. How should early stages of pressure ulcers be treated?
Clean and moisturize the affected areas, using products to improve microcirculation, such as creams based on sea buckthorn oil, and ensure additional protection against pressure.
6. What should I do if signs of infection appear?
Contact a doctor immediately. Signs of infection include redness, increased temperature of the skin in the affected area, discharge of pus, or an unpleasant odor.
7. What foods should be included in the patient's diet to accelerate healing?
Provide a balanced diet high in protein, vitamins (especially vitamin C and zinc), and adequate fluid intake.
8. What equipment can be used to ease the condition of my relative?
Specialized mattresses and cushions that distribute pressure evenly are beneficial.
9. How long will the treatment of pressure ulcers take?
The duration of treatment depends on the stage of the pressure ulcers and the overall health condition of the patient. Treatment can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.
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