Being bedridden or wheelchair bound comes with its own set of hazards. Remaining in one position for too long without shifting weight can cause a bed sore, or more correctly a pressure ulcer. This skin damage occurs due to an area of skin breaking down when prolonged pressure on the skin area reduces the blood supply which, in turn, causes the affected tissue to die. This condition can occur when a person is incapacitated for even for a short period of time, such as after surgery or an injury, but is the nemesis of a post-stroke individual who has paralysis on one side of the body or hemiplegia.
A pressure ulcer begins as just a reddened spot on the skin, but without prompt action becomes progressively worse, forming a blister, then an open sore, and finally a deep crater. Do not massage a forming pressure ulcer; rubbing will make it worse. Just get weight off the area by shifting the individual or using pillows or padding. Pressure ulcers most commonly occur over spots where bones are close to the skin surface such as elbows, heels, hips, ankles, shoulders, the back, and the back of the head. If you suspect a pressure ulcer is forming, get the person’s weight off of the area immediately and consult medical personnel or your physician. This problem should be taken very seriously. An infected pressure ulcer killed Christopher Reeve.
To prevent pressure ulcers:
- Change position at least every two hours to relieve pressure.
- Use items that can help reduce pressure -- pillows, sheepskin, foam padding, and powders from any of a number of medical supply stores in the Wichita area or through your physical or occupational therapist.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals that contain enough calories to keep you healthy.
- Drink plenty of water (8 to 10 cups) every day.
- Exercise daily, including range-of-motion exercises for immobile patients.
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- After urinating or having a bowel movement, clean the area and dry it well. A doctor can recommend creams to help protect the skin.
Vigilance, scheduled repositioning, and medical aids, such as pillows under the ankles to keep heels from pressing and rubbing on the sheets, can help prevent pressure ulcers from forming. Your concern and watchful examination of an incapacitated loved one’s skin can make a difference.
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