About this topic
A pressure sore is an area on your skin that breaks down due to pressure against the skin. It may look like a red or purple area, a blister, or an open sore on the skin. It is most often a result from lying down or sitting for too long. This is especially the case if you are not able to change positions. Pressure sores often happen in people who spend a lot of time in bed. These are often people who may be older and not able to move by themselves because they are too weak. A pressure sore often forms on the parts of the body that bear weight when you lie down. The hipbone, back, buttocks, and heel are all examples of this kind of place. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you have a pressure sore, it is important that you treat it right away. The sore will get worse if you do not take steps to treat it. Here are things that may help treat the sore:
- Ease the pressure on the affected area by using pillows, foam, or gel pads.
- Lay with your head raised slightly, about 30 degrees. Or lay tilted on your side slightly. This can help ease the pressure on the lower back and tailbone.
- Do not rub or massage the area.
- Use a pad or absorbent brief to keep the moisture away from your skin.
- Keep the skin as clean as possible. Wash it with a mild cleaner and warm water. Avoid hot water and soaps that can dry out the skin.
- Pat the area to dry and do not rub.
- Use a wetness barrier cream. Do this each time after using the bathroom or bedpan.
- Ask your doctor how to clean, dress, and bandage any sores that you have.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to have more treatment. Be sure to follow any instructions your doctor may give you. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Promote wound healing
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity if you are in too much pain. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. It is important that you continue to change positions often and move around as much as possible. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat foods high in calories and protein.
- Ask your doctor if you need to take extra vitamins or minerals.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- Talk with a diet specialist to help you to plan meals that will meet your nutritional needs and keep your skin healthy.
What problems could happen?
Infection in your tissues, blood, bones, or joints ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- When you change positions, take extra care to keep friction or pressure off of the skin.
- Dry lubricants like powder or cornstarch may help avoid skin injury from moving or turning. Clear film dressings may also help.
- Ask your doctor about special mattresses or cushions for your chair if you have problems changing positions. Avoid staying in one position for too long. If you are able, change positions and shift your weight every 15 minutes or more often. If you need help, have your caregiver turn you every 1 to 2 hours.
- Keep your skin clean, dry, and moisturized.
- Check skin for spots, color changes, or other signs of pressure sore.
- Use things that can help lower pressure or friction. Some of these are pillows, foam padding, gel pads, and powders.
- Exercise and quitting smoking can help blood flow. Ask your doctor about exercises that are right for you and about services to help you quit smoking.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound site; wound site opens up.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my pressure ulcer.
- I can tell you what may help prevent pressure ulcers.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/pressure-sores.printerview.all.html ‚
Canadian Association of Wound Care ‚
http://www.preventpressureulcers.ca/risk/risk.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚