Causes and risk factors
Pressure sores are caused due lack of mobility for a long period which causes injury to the underlying skin and tissue. It damages the blood vessels also which in turn hampers the circulation. Excessive moisture can also cause pressure sores .It causes softening of the skin and reduces its resistance. Friction produced due to the skin rubbing on another surface or two layers of skin rubbing over each other can also produce pressure sores.
Certain medical conditions which can cause pressure sores are infection, diabetes mellitus and stroke. Smoking, prolonged use of corticosteroids and fecal or urine incontinence pose a risk factor for bed sores.
Symptoms
The commonly affected sites are hips, ankles, elbow, shoulder, knees, heels and shoulder blades. The pressures sore develops as red area on the skin which slowly form ulcer. It may extend from the skin to the muscle and at times to the bone also.
Depending upon the skin lesion bedsores is classified as:
Stage I: red or purple or bluish discoloration of the skin.
Stage II: blister formation or abrasions is seen, mild swelling and oozing is seen
Stage III: ulcer formation is seen that is below the skin surface
Stage IV: ulcer reached\s into the muscle, bone, joint
Decubitus ulcer can lead to complications like Marjolins ulcers, cellulites and sepsis.
Diagnosis and Investigations
Diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the examination of the ulcer itself.
However investigations like routine blood test and tissue culture are diagnostic.
Treatment
To relief the pain topical medications and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs can be advised. Antibiotics are given to treat the infection. Surgical intervention (Debridement) can be done to remove the dead tissue. If the person is bedridden or immobile change in positions should be done. Appropriate mattress and cushions should be used which will give the patient a comfortable position. Proper cleaning of the wound with saline should be done. It should be completely dried up. Dressing of the wounds using gels, foams and gauzes should be done. To prompt wound healing a balanced diet and diet rich in protein and vitamins is advised. The beddings and the clothes of the person should be changed daily. Washed clothes must be used. Drink enough of water so that the hydration of body is well maintained and eat a balanced diet.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
Recent update:
Israeli researchers are reporting that dietary fish oil supplements have the ability to heal bedsores.
