Many elderly patients are prone to various complications of long-term bedridden, and ‘bedsores’ is an unavoidable topic. When going to the hospital, you can rest assured that doctors and nurses will deal with ‘bedsores’. Once hospitalized, how should we deal with them?

What are bedsores?

Bedsores: Refers to the damage and necrosis of tissue in the body caused by long-term pressure, obstruction of blood circulation, deficiency of tissue nutrition, and the loss of normal physiological function of the skin.

What are the harms of bedsores, and can they threaten life?

The initial symptoms of bedsores may be just redness or small blisters on a certain part of the body, but if the redness progresses, the skin and superficial tissues at that point will break down, and in severe cases, complications such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, and hypoproteinemia may occur, even leading to death.

Where do bedsores often occur?

When lying on the back, bedsores are most common at the prominent areas of the occipital bone, clavicle, elbow, spine, sacrum, and heels.

When lying on the side, bedsores are most common at the ears, acromion, the inner and outer sides of the patella, and the ankles.

When sitting, bedsores are most common at the sciatic nerve nodes.

How are bedsores formed?

Long-term pressure on a certain part of the body, especially on bony prominences.

Simply put: Bedsores are common in all bony prominences!

What are the standards for preventing bedsores in elderly patients at home?

Standard one: Frequent turning

Standard two: Keep the bed clean and dry

Common ways to prevent bedsores in long-term bedridden patients include:

Frequent turning is necessary to maintain the comfort of the elderly. They can choose to lie flat, on their left or right side, or sit up, changing positions at least every 2 hours. If redness is found on the skin where pressure is being applied, the position should be changed immediately. When turning, a soft turning backrest can be used, and soft pillows can be used to lift the heels of the lower limbs. After placing the position, soft pillows or foam can be placed in the gaps to expand the total area of support for the body and make it even.

Keep the bed clean and dry, flat, without any debris. If the elderly person sweats, it is necessary to change clothes and bedding immediately, and to wipe their body clean. For those who are prone to sweating, talcum powder can be used. For the elderly who are bedridden for a long time, it is necessary to clean up immediately after urination and defecation, and to clean the soiled areas with cold water.

Under the standard conditions allowed for the elderly, improve the intake of nutrients.

Massage can help promote blood circulation by pushing on the areas of the body where the elderly are bearing weight.

Encourage the elderly to be active, to be proactive in their activities as long as their condition allows.