Ways to Prevent Bed Sores in Bedridden Patients
Bedridden patients are dependent on others. If we cannot sit in one place for an extended period, we can estimate the quality of bedridden patients. If there is a patient in your home who is bedridden, you must know ways to prevent bed sores or wounds.
When a person spends an extended period in bed or in a wheelchair, bed sores can develop. These occur on parts of the skin subjected to pressure. The pressure can result from lying down or sitting in a wheelchair. These bed sores are also referred to as pressure injuries, pressure sores, or decubitus ulcers. Bed sores can be a significant issue for weakened and elderly individuals.
The occurrence can be related to care or protection. If a patient cannot move or change their position, good nutrition and care for their skin are essential to prevent bed sores. Individuals who receive insufficient nutrition, suffer from blood-related issues, or receive inadequate food may be at greater risk. Therefore, they require extra care. If you feel higher risks, immediate consultation with a skin doctor is necessary.
This occurs when our skin is deprived of blood supply for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, our skin deteriorates. Bedridden patients may initially develop redness, which eventually turns dark and can become a severe condition if left untreated. Bed sores can also spread to tendons and bones.
Once you have bed sores, it takes time for them to heal. The severity of bed sores in bedridden patients depends on the patient's physical condition or blood disorders like diabetes. Bedridden patients with bed sores or wounds are divided into four stages.
It starts with redness and warmth in the affected area, progressing to the development of a sore or even an ulcer. Severe pain is felt, or the skin's color changes. Due to damage to the skin area, a pit or ditch forms. A large wound can develop due to damage to bones or tendons. Infection can occur due to damage to bones or tendons. Therefore, proper care of bedridden patients is crucial.
If there is any bedridden patient in your home, we can treat them through various ways. A healthy and balanced diet plays a vital role in staying healthy. Protecting internal parts of the body through nutrition reduces the risks of infections. Hydration and good nutrition can be helpful for the care of bedridden patients. As we know, the movement of bedridden patients decreases, so it is essential to give them as much movement as possible to facilitate air and blood flow in the body.
For instance, we can lift the patient's arms and legs for up to 10 seconds to facilitate arm and leg exercises. When your patient spends an extended period in bed, change their position every two hours to reduce pressure on pressure points. Continuously examine their skin. Keep the patient's bed clean and dry, free from germs. Additionally, provide the patient with regular baths, clean their mouth, and brush their teeth regularly. After bathing the patient, dry their body thoroughly, and change their clothes.
If you follow these useful methods, bed sores can be controlled by these beneficial methods.
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