What are bedsores, causes & treatment

Bedsores are often intertwined with the care that a person with limited mobility receives. If a bedsore is ignored, it can become a particularly dangerous health situation. However, with proper handling, it can be prevented and even treated.

What are bedsores?

Bedsores are the health condition in which both the skin and the tissues beneath it are damaged, due to prolonged pressure exerted on that part of the skin.

Specifically, it affects people with reduced strength and mobility. Sometimes there is constant pressure on the skin in areas where there are bony protrusions, such as:

• the hips
• the sacrum (coccyx)
• the ankles
• the heels
• the elbows
• the shoulder blades

This can lead to:

• ischemia
• edema
• inflammation
• even tissue necrosis

As a result we have the creation of ulcers and “openings” in the specific area.

What are the stages of bedsores?

Bedsores generally occur in stages. This is something that the attending physician can “exploit”, in order to make the correct diagnosis. [2]

Stage 1

The skin begins to discolor. A reddish tint appears on fair skins. The discoloration can vary from blue to purple depending on the skin tone.

At this stage, you may experience:

• itch
• pain
• edema
• feeling of heat when touching the affected area

Stage 2

A sore appears which may look like a pus-filled blister. It affects the first (epidermis) and possibly the second (dermis) layer of the skin.

At this stage, the pain is more intense and the surrounding skin tends to discolor.

Stage 3

The ulcer is now so deep that bones and tendons are visible. The wound looks like a “crater” and leaves an unpleasant smell.

Stage 4

The ulcer is particularly deep, underlying tissues (such as bone) are affected, and necrosis occurs.

What is the treatment for bedsores?

When the ulcer is in Stage 1 or 2 it is much more manageable in terms of treatment. In contrast, Stage 3 and 4 decubitus ulcers require specialized medical treatment.

There are, however, certain ways that if followed in time can prevent the development of bedsores. Specifically: [3]

• Be sure to keep the wound area clean. You can wash off with mild cleansers like green soap or even saline wash.
• Cover the wound with special gauzes and bandages for bedsores which protect and allow the skin to breathe. These include water-based gels (hydrogels), hydrocolloids, alginates (algae), and foam bandage.
• Try to get the patient in such a position that he does not put pressure on the affected area.

Of course, for deeper bedsores, more drastic measures are recommended, such as:

• removal of dead skin
• antibiotic and painkiller treatment.
• Transplantation of healthy skin to the wound area (skin grafts)
• Wound healing with the help of negative pressure.

It is worth noting that in advanced ulcers, management is carried out only by qualified health personnel.

What is the best cream for bedsores?

In cases of bedsores, special creams are recommended, which provide an excellent moisturizing effect, while at the same time contributing to the healing of the skin. Ingredients they often contain are:

• hyaluronic acid
• zinc oxide
• plant-based oils (e.g. shea butter, sunflower oil, avocado oil, etc.)
• herbs such as aloe vera, chamomile, St John’s wort
• medical grade honey
• lanolin
• allantoin
• glycerin

Consult your doctor about how often it needs to be applied, as it has to do with the area where it appears and the stage of its development.

What complications may occur?

Bedsores increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bacterial infections, such as sepsis.

Some people develop sinus tracts, which are passages that connect the injured outer tissue to structures deeper in your body. Depending on the connection achieved, it may develop: [4]

• Bacteremia, which can lead to bacterial meningitis or endocarditis.
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis) or joint infections (septic arthritis).
• Group A strep infections, ranging from cellulitis to necrotizing fasciitis (carnivore disease).

Who is most at risk?

People prone to bedsores are:[5]

• Elderly people with reduced mobility
• Patients with prolonged hospitalization
• People confined to a bed or wheelchair (due to neurological damage)
• Patients with multiple fractures
• Obese people with limited mobility. It is worth noting that malnutrition, nutritional deficiency and dehydration increase the risk
• Patients with heart failure and other chronic heart diseases with poor blood circulation
• People with chronic diseases, which make the skin more fragile (Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis).

How to prevent bedsores?

It can be difficult to completely prevent bedsores, but there are some things you can do to minimize your risk of developing them.

These include:[6]

• Regular change of position. Make sure, with the help of another person, to constantly change the position of the patient.
• Check the skin for early signs of ulcers.
• Make sure the patient eats a healthy, balanced diet that contains enough protein and a good variety of vitamins and minerals.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking causes problems with blood circulation and increases the chances of decubitus ulcers.
• Use an (air) mattress for bedsores to lie on. Its function is based on the gentle massage movements it causes on the patient’s body, without creating discomfort or pain. In this way, it improves oxygenation and blood circulation in the patient’s body, preventing the occurrence of bedsores.
• Try a pillow for bedsores. Depending on the area of the problem you will find the corresponding product.

However, if the patient is in a hospital or care home, the healthcare team will be aware of the risk of decubitus ulcers and will continuously carry out a risk assessment, always taking the necessary preventive measures.

Conclusion

Bedsores are a condition which, if not treated in time, can be quite dangerous and even fatal. Meticulous patient care and continuous monitoring and evaluation of pressure points are required.

As in most cases, prevention is the best treatment for bedsores.

At vita4you.gr you will find a huge variety of products for bedsores.