Bedsores — also called pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers — are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone.
1. Causes of pressure sores
Bedsores are caused by pressure against the skin that limits blood flow to the skin. Limited movement can make skin vulnerable to damage and lead to the development of bedsores.
Three primary contributing factors for bedsores are:
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Pressure: Constant pressure on any part of your body can lessen the blood flow to tissues. Blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and other nutrients to tissues. Without these essential nutrients, skin and nearby tissues are damaged and might eventually die. For people with limited mobility, this kind of pressure tends to happen in areas that aren't well-padded with muscle or fat and that lie over a bone, such as a spine, tailbone, shoulder blades, hips, heels, and elbows.
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Friction: Friction occurs when the skin rubs against clothing or bedding. It can make fragile skin more vulnerable to injury, especially if the skin is also moist.
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Shear: Shear occurs when two surfaces move in the opposite direction. For example, when a bed is elevated at the head, you can slide down in bed. As the tailbone moves down, the skin over the bone might stay in place — essentially pulling in the opposite direction.
2. How to clean pressure sores in paralyzed people?
Tailbone ulcer care depends on the depth of the ulcer. In general, the steps to cleaning and dressing a wound include the following:
Use gauze soaked in 0.9% physiological saline to wipe away pus and dead tissue in the ulcer. If the ulcer is deep, inflammatory pus discharges a lot, there is a stench, the patient needs to be taken care of by the medical staff, because the ulcer has developed through a severe stage.
Antiseptic will help prevent ulcers from becoming infected, reduce the risk of deep and widespread lesions, and eliminate unpleasant odors in the sores. Then the healing process can take place faster. Based on the condition of the ulcer, choose an appropriate antiseptic solution.
Moisturizing cream works to help the skin antibacterial, prevent inflammation, moisturize, soothe the skin, stimulate the regeneration of new skin cells, effectively prevent scars.
Gel Multidex both moisturizes the wound and heals ulcers thanks to a natural mechanism (with Maltodextrin and 1% Ascorbic Acid - Vitamin C). The product has been used by doctors in the US for more than 45 years in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and burns.
For mild or dry sores, this step is not necessary. Keep the ulcer open for the healing process to take place more naturally and quickly.
With large ulcers, it is necessary to cover them with hydrocolloid bandages or grease gauze to help the ulcer heal faster, unaffected by impact and rubbing.
Do not bandage too tightly because it will affect blood circulation, causing pain for the patient. Change the dressing at least once a day to ensure hygiene and monitor the progress of the ulcer.