Bed ulcers

 

A brief summary

• They are ulcers that appear in areas of the body, the prolonged pressure on the skin.
• Common in people inherent in the bed, who are unable to feel pain or lack of movement.
• Unusual changes in the color of the skin or texture is one of its most important symptoms.
• The degree of damage to the skin and tissues ranged into a deep injury that includes muscles.
• It can be prevented by examining the skin regularly, especially the bone areas.

introduction

It is an ulcer that is in the outer layer of the skin (skin) and inherent tissues (dermis) as a result of the length

• The hips.
• The buttocks.
• noon.
• Pinch bone (coccyx).
• ankle.
• Heels.
• The shoulder.
• The back of the head.
• The elbows.
• The knees.

Other names

• Pressure sores - clinical ulcers.

the reason

• It occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the skin and tissues; As a result of the prolonged pressure on the skin; As the blood flow is necessary to connect oxygen and other substances to the tissues, and without them, the skin and nearby tissues are damaged and may die in the end. Also, the friction caused by sliding slowly on the bed or chair, especially if the skin is moist, contributes to it.

The most vulnerable category

• People are more likely to develop ulcers, people who have a medical condition that limits their ability to change the positions of the body or who spend most of their time in bed or wheelchair.

Risk factors

• Age; Because of the lack of elasticity and thinning of the skin.
• Inability to change the position easily while sitting or sleeping.
• Loss of sensation (such as: spinal cord injuries and others).
• Health problems affect blood flow (such as: sclerosis, diabetes, and others).
• Malnutrition and hydration; It maintains healthy skin.
• Obesity.
• incontinence.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear according to the stages of the ulcers, which are as follows

The first stage

• Redness and warmth of the area when touching compared to the surrounding skin parts, and may be blue or purple. The injured person may also complain of burns, pain or itching.

The second stage

• The affected area is damaged, with the appearance of liquid blisters or open pink or red ulcers. The injured may also complain of pain, as well as change the color of the skin around the area.

The third stage

• The area features a look -like appearance (deep wound); Where damage extends down the layers of the skin, including fat.

Fourth stage

• The area has been severely damaged; Where the tissues were lost on a large scale, and it may reach muscles, tendons, bones and joints. The infection is also a great danger at this stage.
• When do you have to see a doctor?
• When signs of ulcers on the body do not disappear from 24 to 48 hours after changing the position to relieve pressure on the area.
• When signs of infection appear, such as: fever, pus or an unpleasant smell, or increased redness around it.

Complications

• Cellient tissue inflammation (bacterial infection affecting the skin and connective tissues).
• Bone and joint infections.
• Harvist cell cancer (Margoline ulcers).
• Blood poisoning.

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination.
• Medical history.
• Laboratory analyzes: blood and urine analysis; To evaluate public health.

Treatment

The treatment is discussed based on the severity of the condition, as it includes

• Reducing pressure from the injured skin.
• Good health nutrition.
• Wound care.
• Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs to control pain.
• Topical or oral antibiotics to combat infection.
• Surgery to remove damaged tissues and close the wound for some serious cases.

Prevention

• Change the sitting position or sleep constantly.
• Make sure to examine the skin on a daily basis.
• Keep the skin's cleanliness by washing and drying it well.
• Wash the bed covers and make sure not to wrist after applying them to the bed.
• Support areas with bone promotions with gel, air or water.
• Maintain good nutrition and eating fluids.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Performing physical activity regularly.
• Quitting smoking.

Guidance for people most of their time in bed or chair

• Reducing the pressure on the affected area, using the customized pillow or mattress.
• Change the sitting position when using the wheelchair (right or north) every 15 minutes.
• Raise the upper body - if possible - by pressing the ends of the chair, and lifting the body from the seat.
• Avoid using pillows that are on a circle (Donat); Because it can focus the pressure on the surrounding tissues.
• Change the position of the body on the bed every two hours.
• Ask for help when he is not able to change the position.
• In the event that the preservation is used, you should make sure the area is dry after the cleaning process of urine and stool.
• The ability to feel pain or discomfort can lead to awareness of the warning signs and the need to change the position.

Common questions

• Is it contagious?
• Bed ulcers are not contagious; But it must be dealt with caution if it is accompanied by pus or bacterial infection.
• Can it be left without treatment?
• It cannot be left without treatment; Because its stages will develop for a more dangerous stage.