Pressure Sores aka Bedsores/Decubitus Ulcers
Introduction
In today's day and age we all have either experienced a pressure sore ourselves or know someone who has. But to give you an idea of what it feels to have a pressure sore "it's like sitting on a cactus". The information we provide you with is designed as a guide to give you a basic understanding of your skin, pressure sores and how to recognize the development of a sore. It will give you a list of conditions that make us more prone to develop pressure sores along with some helpful tips on how to prevent pressure sores. We will provide you with a broad view of various equipment types and their pro's and con's based on user feedback and market research. Remember when seated 75% of our body weight can be concentrated on the base of the spine. We continue to listen to your feedback so we only bring the most reliable produce to market.
Innovative Designs
An ideal pressure relieving cushion or mattress should distribute weight
over as wide an area as possible, it should offer support and enhance positioning,
prevent tissue deformation, reduce friction and shearing forces and conform
to the user's shape, it should not bottom out.
From the users point of view there are additional requirements: reliability,
durability, lightweight, easy maintenance, environmentally sound. Please
get medical advice at all times when you get a pressure sore, as only qualified
medical staff can give you in depth advice on all the issues that require
your attention. Equipment is only one of the many factors that play a role
in the prevention and cure of pressure sores
About our skin
Our skin is one of our most important organs. It is designed to protect
the body by acting as a barrier to infection, it helps to regulate our body
temperature, it keeps the body tissues moist and prevents them from drying
out, it stores fat and makes Vitamin D, it excretes waste and registers
external stimuli. To remain healthy our skin requires a good supply of nutrients,
water and oxygen.Our blood vessels supply our skin and the underlying tissues
and muscles with the food and oxygen required to keep them healthy.
About Pressure Sores
Pressure against our bony prominences (ischial: the bones located in each cheek of our bottom, sacral bones: the bones located at the base of our spine, trochanter, hip bones, heels, shoulders, elbows) and friction forces (frequent movement, dragging over a rough surface) and shearing forces (slipping or sliding movement down a bed or chair) cause our tissues to be compressed and distorted. This in turn causes damage to the local blood supply and the flow of blood in our blood vessels is slowed down and even stopped. This damage to our blood circulation will result in insufficient nutrients and oxygen getting to the tissues. Waste products produced by the various body tissues that are normally removed by the blood stream accumulate causing further tissue damage. The first sign of a pressure sore is discolouration of the skin. Depending on our skin colour this can vary from red to purple to blue. Most Tissue Viability and Wound Care Nurses say that if skin discolouration occurs and will not disappear after a few hours it may be the first sign of a pressure sore. This is a good indicator when you check your skin. However, discolouration is also a normal reaction to pressure and will turn momentarily white (blanches) when pressed lightly with the finger. Such redness does not indicate a pressure problem. If the redness does not turn white when you press it, take it serious, as it indicates tissue damage. If the cause of the pressure is not removed at this stage, ulceration of the outer layer of skin (our epidermis) or blistering will occur. With no action the pressure damage will progress through our layers of skin to the fatty tissue. It can further extend to damage to the muscle and even destruction of the bone. Such sores pose a life-threatening situation due to the potential blood poisoning and possible infection of the bone. You need the advice of a professional clinician (Tissue Viability Nurse / Wound care Nurse / Occupational Therapist / Physiotherapist / Doctor) if and when tissue damage has occurred. Remember pressure sores are usually preventable. Correct positioning, regular turning and movement are major preventative measures.
Who is at high risk of developing pressure sores?
- People who are not able to relieve pressures when sitting or lying due to immobility
- People with reduced mobility, e.g. stroke, Osteoarthritis and Parkinson's Disease
- People with acute illnesses and recovery from illness
- People suffering from incontinence
- People that have an insufficient diet and fluid intake, malnutrition and dehydration
- People that expose their body to indirect pressure such as friction and shearing forces
- People that suffer from sweat due to raised temperatures, which will result in moist skin
- People with little consciousness after operations or taking sedative drugs
- People with diminished sensation, e.g. diabetes, strokes
- Elderly people
How to prevent pressure sores
- Identify if you or the person you are caring for is in a risk group. (ask your clinician)
- Inspect the skin regularly to be able to respond to the early signs of pressure damage
- Keep the skin clean and dry
- Change position frequently
- Sit or lie on surfaces, which provide support and reduce the risk of tissue damage
- Use appropriate lifting techniques to avoid friction and shearing forces. (dragging of the skin)
- Ensure the bedclothes and cushion covers are wrinkle free and clean
- Eat a well balanced diet. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Remember you need the advice of a medical professional if tissue damage has occurred.
About the pressure area care market
To date two overall concepts as such are in place for pressure relief therapy systems.The market offers either static system (non electric) or active a.k.a dynamic systems (electric). Clinical research and testimonials throughout the world support both. But one common conclusion is confirmed by research "No one system is suitable for all people". All systems have pro's and con's which are confirmed by users and carers alike. We have listed below some of the feedback we get from clinical staff and users as to the advantages and disadvantages of the various systems. For further help on deciding what system may be most suitable for you and to get an idea of reliability and durability speak to your clinician. In our experience most manufacturers are monitored on their products performance and durability.
