Bed Sores - Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Introduction:

Bed sores are a significant health concern. People face these with limited mobility or people who are on prolonged bed rest. These bed sores usually occur due to the excessive pressure on the skin. The pressure obstructs the blood flow and causes tissue damage. People who are at high risk of developing bed sores are bedridden patients who are using wheelchairs and elderly people. These occur on bony areas, such as heels, tailbone, and hips. Prolonged pressure on a specific area hinders blood supply, eventually leading to cell death. The factors that further exacerbate the condition are shear forces, friction, and lack of moisture. These bed sores may range from redness to skin damage when the bed sores reach the muscles and bones. The healthcare professionals may suggest some preventive measures that can reduce the condition's severity. The article discusses bed sores, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What Are Bed Sores?

Bed sores are ulcers that occur in bony areas. The other name for bed sores is decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers. These sores occur due to prolonged time pressure on the bony areas. The long-time pressure can hinder the blood supply and lead to bed sores. The common locations of bed sores are the hips, heels, and sacrum. The long-term pressure may hinder the blood flow because of the compression of blood vessels. It may cause pain, discomfort, and several complications to the people.

What Are the Causes of Bed Sores?

Several factors cause sustained pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, forming bed sores. The common causes are described below:

• Prolonged Pressure: The long-term pressure on the bony areas, such as hips, heels, buttocks, back sides of knees, back, or sacrum, can lead to the reduction of blood flow and tissue death. This will lead to the formation of bed sores.

• Friction: Skin damage can occur due to friction between the skin, bedsheets, or other surfaces. This can increase the risk of occurrence of bed sores.

• Limited Mobility: People who are in wheelchairs or bedridden are at high risk of developing bed sores because of limited mobility. These people cannot move their bodies and change positions, increasing pressure on vulnerable areas.

• Poor Nutrition: The skin of malnourished people, people with poor nutrition, or dehydrated people is compromised. Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Poor nutrition people are at high risk of developing bed sores.

• Moisture: Long-term exposure to moisture, including urine, feces, and sweat, makes the skin more susceptible to damage. This may increase the risk of developing bed sores.

• Age: Older people are more susceptible to developing bed sores because the skin of these people is thin with reduced elasticity.

• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as vascular disorders, back injuries, and diabetes, may affect the blood flow, leading to bed sores.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bed Sores?

The signs and symptoms of bed sores may range from mild to severe. There are four stages of bed sores, which are described below:

• Stage 1: The symptoms at this stage are mild. The person may feel the area hot on the touch, and the area may look red. If the color of the skin is darker, then there can be purple or blue tint. The person may also experience itchiness and a burning sensation.

• Stage 2: During this stage, the person may experience pain. The affected area may appear as an open sore, or blisters may occur over the area. The skin of the affected area may be damaged.

• Stage 3: The affected area may appear to be crate-like. The appearance may be due to the damaged skin.

• Stage 4: The person may experience severe symptoms at this stage. The symptoms may be severe due to the involvement of bones, muscles, and tendons. At this stage, the person is at high risk of getting infected.

The common signs and symptoms of bed sores are as follows:

• Due to compromised blood flow, there can be redness in the affected area.

• The affected skin can be warm, firm, or softer.

• Pain and discomfort can occur when the pressure is applied to the affected area.

• If the deeper tissues are affected, there can be swelling.

• In advanced stages, blisters can form that can be filled with clear fluid.

• Formation of ulcers or open sores.

• Wound drainage containing pus.

• In severe cases, underlying bones and muscles are exposed.

How Are Bed Sores Diagnosed?

The diagnostic steps for bed sores are as follows:

• Clinical Examination: The healthcare provider may examine the affected area and the surrounding tissues. It is done to assess the stage of bed sores. They may also check the symptoms of bed sores and look for the signs of infection.

• Imaging Tests: The doctor may advise imaging tests, such as X-rays, to check the extent of tissue involvement. It is helpful in the visualization of damage to the deeper tissues, such as bones.

• Laboratory Tests: These tests are done to check for the signs of infection and nutritional status.

How Are Bed Sores Managed?

The treatment strategies to manage bed sores are as follows:

• Pressure Relief: The older or bedridden individuals are regularly repositioned to relieve pressure on the affected areas. Specialized cushions can be used for evenly distribution of pressure.

• Wound Care: The healthcare professionals may clean the wound with mild solutions, and applying appropriate dressings is essential.

• Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for wound healing. People should eat a balanced diet of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

• Hydration: People should drink plenty of water to support overall skin health.

• Pain Management: The healthcare professional may prescribe pain medications to relieve pain.

• Antibiotics: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections.

• Rehabilitation: People should participate in rehabilitation exercises which can prevent further complications.

What Are the Preventive Measures for Bed Sores?

The preventive measures for bed sores are as follows:

• Regular repositioning of the bedridden person.

• Routine skin check-ups.

• Take a well-balanced diet.

• Maintain proper hydration.

• Keep the affected areas clean.

• Encourage regular mobility exercise.

• Maintain good personal hygiene.

• Provide education to caregivers.

• Avoid friction.

• Use protective padding to reduce pressure.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, early prevention and management of bed sores are necessary to prevent further complications. The patient should be regularly repositioned, and proper nutrition should be given for early wound healing. The healthcare professional team, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, should educate patients and their families on bed sores, early intervention, and management strategies. This may enhance the overall well-being of the people affected by bed sores. Purchasing alternating air pressure mattress pad can be beneficial in preventing bed sores.