Causes and Treatment of Bed Sores



Pressure ulcers or pressure sores are the more accurate name for bed sores. Bed sores are damaged skin areas of the body’s tissues that usually develops when certain pressure are sustained. This condition is very common to those people who are bedridden for an extended period of time because of health conditions or persons who uses a wheelchair, wears a cast or people who are unconscious and oblivious to pain. This condition may be developed by anyone who is no longer capable of changing positions without any help coming from other people.

Bed sores cuts off the body’s blood circulation especially to the vulnerable areas of the body such as the back, elbow, ankles, heels, hips, and the tail bone. These areas are not well-padded enough by the body’s muscle or fat. They only lie over the bone such as the shoulder blades, hips, spine, elbow, heels, ankles or the tail bone which is also called the coccyx. Body tissues are deprived of nutrients and oxygen when the underlying body tissue and the skin are trapped between the bone and the surface such as a bed or a wheelchair, adequate blood flow is restricted causing irreversible damages to the skin which leads to the death of the body tissues. Pressure sores when developed are very difficult to heal.

Once bed sores are developed which can happen very quickly, the progress and growth of it will happen rapidly. Pressure sores are often very difficult to heal. Even with the difficulty in the healing process of bed sores, this condition is still very treatable. The common treatments for bedsores are removing the sustained pressure on the affected are to prevent more damages to the tissues; keeping the wound area  clean and protect it with medicated gauze, application of antibiotic ointments, pain relievers and antibiotic medications. In worst cases, dead tissues are surgically removed.

It is very important to treat bed sores as quickly as they appear. Bed sores if not treated in its early stages are more likely to progress that will make the wound develop and cover large portions of the skin. This condition may cause the skin to break open and become more infected. Bedsore treatments usually depend on the severity of the case which may include several procedures. Although, the treatment of bed sore becomes very challenging and complicated once the skin is open and broken and because of this the skin’s healing process may no longer be perfect.
Bed sores may also be prevented from developing. Good nutrition is always very essential. Keeping the skin clean dry at all times will prevent damp and moisture to accumulate in certain parts of the body especially those susceptible to bed   sores. Tuning and repositioning of individuals who are no longer capable of changing their positions in a more frequently basis. Dry and clean linens will also be a big help.

Bed sores don’t have to reach a state where treatment is almost impossible and the wounds are already widespread and enormous in sizes. The wounds don’t even have to occur if key preventive measures are applied and used. These preventive measures will help maintain the integrity of the skin and encourage the bed sores to heal more progressively.