It's no secret that bedsores are a problem that bedridden patients often encounter. Indeed, constant pressure on the skin disrupts normal blood circulation and tissue trophism, which leads to their suppuration and atrophy. That is why many are interested in questions about how to treat a bedsore. After all, they are not only an inconvenience, but also pose a serious threat to the patient.
Sores Prevention
In fact, it is much easier to prevent the formation of skin lesions than to treat a pressure sore. And proper patient care includes the following procedures:
- Quite often, the formation of pressure sores is associated with uneven pressure on the skin surface. A bumpy mattress, a crumpled sheet, uncomfortable clothes - all this can be attributed to risk factors. Therefore, it is extremely important during the rehabilitation period to use special mattresses, and bed linen and clothing should be made from natural fabrics and as comfortable as possible.
- Medical staff must necessarily help the patient periodically change the position of the body.
- From time to time the skin needs to be “aired” - leave the patient without a blanket for several minutes a day, because bedsores are often formed in areas moistened with sweat.
- Bedridden patients need regular massage, which stimulates the circulation of blood in the skin tissues.
- It is extremely important to keep the body of bedridden patients clean, as the activity of bacteria and fungi increases the risk of necrosis.
But how to treat a bedsore, if it has already formed? It all depends on the severity of the condition and the depth of skin lesions.
Shallow bedsores: how to treat? Photos and symptoms of skin lesions
As a rule, first small red spots appear on the skin - most often they form on the back, heels, buttocks, in the area of the shoulder blades, etc. Naturally, even with the slightest suspicion of the formation of such injuries, it is necessary to take more care of the patient, not forgetting about hygiene products and air baths. In addition, reddened areas of the skin are recommended to be treated with a solution of camphor alcohol.
Unfortunately, impaired circulation and humidity create excellent conditions for the activity of pathogenic bacteria. How to treat a bedsore in this case? With inflammation of the skin tissue, antiseptic agents are necessarily used . In particular, wounds and abrasions on the skin are recommended to be washed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, treated with boric acid, brilliant green, and hydrogen peroxide. Streptocide powder and an aqueous solution of furacilin are also considered effective.
How to treat deep bedsores?
The presence of deep bedsores, which are deep wounds, is extremely dangerous. After all, the necrotic process can be transferred to muscle and even bone tissue, which is a threat to the health and sometimes life of the patient.
In such cases, it is important to regularly flush skin lesions with antiseptic solutions. Especially effective are hydrocolloids and analginates, which are released in the form of powders intended to fill wounds. These products help cleanse tissues and speed up the regeneration process. To accelerate healing, special ointments are also used, in particular Actovegin, Levomikol and Levosin, which also have bactericidal properties. By the way, for dressings, it is best to use sterile bandages, since the patches disrupt air circulation.
Treatment of pressure sores is a long process, and its effectiveness depends on careful care and the patient’s health. For example, older people, as well as patients with a weakened immune system, sometimes need additional antibiotics. The correct full diet is extremely important, as well as the intake of vitamin and mineral complexes.