Causes Of Bed Sores: Its Stages, Prevention And How To Treat It?

Causes Of Bed Sores: Its Stages, Prevention And How To Treat It? . Question: Can you give more information on what are bedsores (pressure sores)? What are the different stages of it? Give me tips on preventing bed sores naturally and bed sores treatment.

Answer: Bed sores are the ulcers which occur in the pressure areas of the skin overlying the bony prominence. Bed sore occur in old age persons who are debilitated and are not able to move out of the bed, in hemiplegic persons and very ill patients.

Due to continuous lying in the bed there is sustained pressure, which cuts off the circulation of the blood to the vulnerable part of the body, such as skin of buttocks, sacral region, heels, and elbows.

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The affected tissue dies as a result of insufficient or complete absence of blood supply.

Patients at risk of bed sores:

• Immobilized patients.
• Patient is in coma for a long time.
• Obese patients who are immobilized and suffering from diabetes.
• Paralytic patients having incontinence of urination.

4 Stages Of Bed Sores

Bed sore are classified into four stages:

• Stage 1: It is the starting stage of bed sores. The skin of affected area becomes red and itchy. In some cases it is painful and warm when touched. There is fair chance of preventing further deterioration if proper attention and care is taken.
  
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  The affected area heals quickly if pressure is taken away.
• Stage 2: Constant pressure has taken its toll on the deeper layer of skin called the epidermis. There is an open sore which looks similar to an abrasion or a blister.
• Stage 3: Now the wound is deep and it has gone below the skin area and in the subcutaneous region with a crater formation at the site. The muscles and the bone are not damaged.
• Stage 4: Here the wound is deep and the muscles and the bone can be seen through the wound, there is muscle necrosis and tissue damage. This is most serious stage; secondary bacterial infection is very common in this stage. Foul smell emits from the ulcer.

Prevention Of Bed Sores In Bedridden Patients

A good nursing care is appreciated if a patient does not develop bed sore, even after lying for a long time immobilized in the bed.

• Immobilized patient should be made to frequently change his position. This will help to decrease the pressure on the particular region for long time and thus help in preventing bed sore.
• The use of water bed or air bed is beneficial in preventing bed sores in patients who are immobilized for a long time.
• Patient who is bed ridden for a long time should be regularly inspected on pressure areas.
• Balanced diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals should be provided to the patient who is suffering from bed sores. Vitamins and minerals help in enhancing the healing process.

How To Treat Bed Sores?

Bed sores of stage 1 and 2 heal of its own if the pressure is removed and the position of the patient is changed often.

• Rubber rings, water beds are used in cases of bed sores. They allow free air movement.
• Bladder incontinence should be addressed as this keeps the area of the pelvis wet and moist.
• Dressing of the bed sore with calendula ointment or tincture is beneficial.
• Dressing should be regularly changed.
• Debridement of the necrosed tissue is necessary for the new tissue to grow.
• Surgery may be required in stage 3 and stage 4 bed sore ulcers.