According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 2.5 million Americans suffer from bed sores a every year. This type of chronic wound doesn’t just affect your skin, it can cause severe damage to your tissue, muscles, and even bones. This is why these pressure sores need to be identified as quickly as possible so you can take the proper steps to heal them. Continue reading to learn how to spot these chronic wounds, what you can do to promote healing, and how to stop them from occurring in the first place.
What Are Bed Sores?
Bed sores, also known as pressure sores or pressure wounds, are caused by prolonged pressure on your skin. These chronic wounds most often occur in those who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden and don’t move very much. Pressure wounds most commonly appear on areas where your bones meet your skin, like your ankles, heels, hips, and back. Blood flow to these immobile areas slows down, damaging the skin from the inside out. Elderly patients, those with diabetes or vascular diseases, and people who can’t move their bodies easily are all at high risk for forming pressure sores since their blood flow is greatly affected by their conditions.
How to Spot Pressure Sores Early
Untreated bed sores can lead to pain, dangerous bacterial infections, and in severe cases, amputations. The quicker you spot a pressure wound, the sooner you can act and get the necessary treatment to heal before things get worse. Bed sores develop in stages, and the stage the wound is in will affect how it is treated. That’s why you need to know what signs to look out for to see how much a pressure sore has progressed.
Stages of Bed Sores
Stage 1
In the earliest stage of bed sores, the affected area will redden and won’t turn white when pressed on. For darker skin tones, the pressure sore will look purple or blue instead of red. No matter the color, bed sores at this stage will also feel tender and either warmer, cooler, softer, or firmer than usual. These symptoms are often overlooked, especially if the sore is in a difficult to see place. However, if patients are immobile, have circulation issues, and are experiencing these symptoms it may be time to consult a wound expert.
Stage 2
Bed sores become more noticeable in the second stage of development. In addition to the red or purple color, patients will notice skin loss around the area. Typically, blisters will form on the affected area and create an open pressure sore. These symptoms need to be addressed immediately and can sometimes be taken care of at home.
Stage 3
The last two stages of bed sore development are the most dangerous and must be taken care of by a wound expert. At this stage the pressure wound will become very noticeable and form a sunken hole also known as an ulcer. Depending on the severity of the bed sore, you may even be able to see the body fat beneath your skin. If this is the case, see a wound expert immediately to treat the injury.
Stage 4
In the final stage of pressure sores, the wound will become so deep you will be able to see the layers of skin, muscles, tendons, and even bones. This puts your entire body at risk as the wound exposes your most sensitive layers to infection. At this stage, healing the chronic wound could require surgery and take months to heal completely.
How to Treat Pressure Wounds
Proper treatment of bed sores is essential to preventing infection and promoting healing. No matter what stage your pressure wound is in, you need to see a wound care expert to ensure everything is healing as it should. There are a few measures you can take at home though that will encourage the healing process. Start by cleaning the bed sore every week when you change its dressing. Stage one and two pressure wounds can be gently washed with mild soap and warm water. After they are patted dry, apply any barrier creams or antibiotic ointments advised by your wound care expert. Avoid massaging the bed sore as this can further damage the healing tissue. Afterwards, redress the pressure wound.
When a bed sore becomes deeper, medical attention is absolutely necessary. However, caregivers can help manage the symptoms of stage four and five wounds and prevent complications. Start by rinsing the pressure sore with saline solution or a prescribed wound cleanser to keep it clean. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine as this can be painful and slow the healing process. Next, you’ll change the dressings as instructed by your wound specialist to prevent infection. For severe bed sores, a hydrocolloid, foam, or alginate dressing may be prescribed to better protect the opening. While your pressure wound heals, watch for increased redness, swelling, foul odors, pus, fever, or worsening pain as these could be signs of an infection.
How to Prevent Bed Sores
Bed sores aren’t just painful, they can be life-threatening if not treated properly. If you’re at risk for these pressure wounds, there are a few steps you can take to prevent them from happening. If you’re in a wheelchair, reposition yourself every fifteen minutes. If you’re confined to your bed, change positions every two hours. Try using compression socks and perform gentle exercises, if possible, to encourage blood flow. And if there’s an area that constantly faces pressure, place a pillow under it to alleviate some of the intensity.
Start the Process of Healing Your Wounds with Reneuvia
Taking care of chronic wounds like bed sores can be a complicated task to do on your own. Working with a wound care expert can make the healing process easier and faster. That’s why Reneuvia offers professional wound care services for everyone, whether you live at home or need help in a long-term care facility. Refer a patient or enroll yourself today and let’s work together to heal all your chronic wounds so you can get back to feeling your best.
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