Pressure sores: prevention and treatment : Your online pharmacy selection

What is a pressure sore?

Bedsores, commonly known as bed sores or pressure ulcers, are lesions of the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They generally develop in areas where the bones are close to the skin, such as the heels, ankles, hips and sacrum. The people most at risk are those who are immobilized or confined to a bed or wheelchair.

How can pressure sores be prevented?

Pressure sore prevention is crucial, and can be achieved by following several effective methods:

1. Regular change of position: It is recommended to change position every two hours to reduce continuous pressure on the same area.
2. Skin care: Keep skin clean and dry to prevent irritation and infection.
3. Use of special supports: Use pressure-relieving cushions or mattresses.

What are the stages of pressure sores?

Pressure sores are classified into four stages, according to severity:

• Stage 1: The skin remains intact, with redness in a localized area, usually over a bony prominence.
• Stage 2: Loss of the outer layer of skin or the layer immediately below. The wound may be superficial and present as an abrasion or blister.
• Stage 3: Loss of skin with soft-tissue damage or necrosis, which may extend into the muscle.
• Stage 4: The most severe pressure sores involving extensive tissue loss, which may include muscle, bone and other deeper structures.

How are pressure sores treated?

Treatment of pressure sores depends on their stage:

• Local care: Cleaning of the wound, use of special dressings and, in some cases, surgical debridement to remove dead tissue.
• Infection control: Administration of antibiotics in the event of bacterial infection.
• Advanced therapies: Use of therapies such as negative pressure therapy or skin grafting.

What complications can arise from pressure sores?

Complications can include severe infections such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and septicemia (blood infection). Prevention and early treatment are essential to minimize these risks.

How are pressure sores diagnosed?

Diagnosis of pressure sores involves a thorough clinical assessment, including inspection of the skin, classification of the wound stage and evaluation of risk factors. Tools such as the Braden Scale can be used to assess patients' risk of developing pressure sores.

What are the risk factors associated with pressure sores?

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing pressure sores, including immobility, malnutrition, excessive skin moisture, circulatory disorders, advanced age and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease.

Can pressure sores be treated at home?

In some cases, pressure sores can be treated at home with appropriate medical supervision. However, it is essential to have the appropriate resources, such as special dressings and professional advice on wound care and the prevention of complications.

How important is nutrition in preventing pressure sores?

Adequate nutrition plays a crucial role in pressure sore prevention by promoting wound healing and maintaining skin health. Diets rich in protein, calories, vitamins and minerals are essential to support skin health and prevent complications.

Can pressure sores be avoided in all cases?

Although prevention is essential, it's not always possible to completely avoid pressure sores, particularly in severely ill or immobilized individuals. However, proactive management of risk factors and early intervention can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of pressure sores.