ARTICLES /
General / Alleviating Bed Sores Can Be Done
By Marie Santangelo, Staff Writer
Pressure sores are also known as decubitus
ulcers and occur in patients who have little or
no mobility allowing them to change positions
and relieve the pressure on the body.
Sores can develop over time and may be diagnosed
in “grades” of progression. Prevention is
the best method of dealing with anything that
compromises our health, but bedsores can be
alleviated efficiently when they are addressed
in early stages.
Muscles and fat pad the body, distributing
pressure in a more even fashion. Our
natural fidgeting from one side of the body to
another helps also. In folks who have
little or no “natural” padding, and who are
paralyzed or bedridden, the pressure is more
direct and wears away at the skin. Skin
can also become very strained when the bone
moves one way and the fleshy portion moves in
another.
As we age, skin becomes thinner and prone to
breakage. If there is prolonged pressure
on an area, when the individual changes
position, the skin may “slip” and a small tear
results.
Nerve impairment makes for diminished sensation,
and the individual may have difficulty assessing
whether a given area is more sensitive than
another. Over time, skin breakdown occurs,
unless someone is checking the skin at regular
intervals.
Bedsores don’t just develop from the outside
route, although that is the main contributor.
External pressure that is consistent will leave
anyone with soreness, and even a mark. But
there is activity going on under the skin, too.
Circulation changes when pressure is applied,
which hampers the ability of the body’s tissues
to “bounce back” both literally and
figuratively.
Simple Solutions
If your loved one is less than mobile, or must
be in bed full time, you can monitor their skin
integrity. This will help in identifying
possible areas of skin breakdown, as well as
areas that have already become sensitive.
Printable Version
