Care for prevention of pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers are cutaneous lesions derived from staying in a static position for many hours during long period of time. Pressure sore appear due to prolonged pressure over time on our body or specific areas. The areas that suffer most of the pressure are the closest to contact with the bone, so it is important to take measures to know how to prevent pressure ulcers.

What factors influence the appearance of pressures ulcers?

There are many factors about appearance of bed sore that can escape from our control in a daily life. Such as age, nutritional disorders, impaired sensitivity, immunological deficit, state of unconsciousness, etc.

However, there are other factors that must be controlled to improve the recovery and condition of the disabled person, treating them with the deserved dignity and with the interest that corresponds; these factors are primordial for the recovery and/or rehabilitation of the patient.

• Skin condition,

• Moisture in the skin due to incontinence,

• Physical immobility (prolonged pressure at fixed points),

• Stress.

Prevention of pressure sore 

From the Global eCare orthopedic team recommend the strict monitoring of the patients with risks of occurrence of decubitus ulcer, increasing such monitoring when the ulcers have already appeared.

1.- Examining the condition of the skin daily.

Keep the patient's skin clean and dry always. Watching with attention in the summer times the excessive sweating, in the winter times taking into account that the skin does not dry out.

The skin should not suffer friction of any kind. For this reason it is advisable to use slightly moist textile fabrics with hyperoxigenated products.

2.- Checking the condition of moisture in the skin.

The condition of moisture in the skin should be balanced. Controlling that it is not completely dry, but avoiding excess humidity, increasing that control in times when is very hot.

- Use substances that are not abrasive and don’t dry the skin when clean the patient,

- Pour warm water on the skin, rinsing and drying carefully,

- When applying moisturizing creams to ensure that these are absorbed well,

- Use of barrier products against incontinence problems.

3.-Mobilization of the patient.

This is of paramount importance for the periodic mobilization of the patient, taking into account a mobilization program configured according to the circumstances of the patient. Generally, these aspects should be considered:

- Postural changes every 2-3 hours, we recommend following a program configured in a personalized way, if the patient can change position, do it every 15 minutes,

- Avoid direct contact of the knees, elbows, ankles, etc.

- In the lateral decubitus position, do not exceed 30 degrees,

- Keep the head of the bed perpendicular to the mattress, maximum position 30º, this position is not highly recommended

At Global eCare we claim the importance of conscientiously preventing problems that may provoke complications in the general health of a person. In our web you will find orthopedic products of European manufacture and with sanitary certification specific for different cases.

Do not hesitate to ask us if you have any questions!

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