How to Prevent Pressure Sores

Pressure Sores are commonly referred to as Bed Sores. Pressure sores or bed sores develop from pressure being exerted on specific areas of the body on those that are confined to a bed, wheel chair or those that do not move around much. In nursing homes, extended care facilities and those who are in wheel chairs it can become a common problem if necessary steps are not taken to prevent pressure sores. Pressure sores are very painful and can easily become infected. Prevention is the best course of action when you are caring for a person who is bound to a bed or wheel chair.

Instructions

1. Get the person to move around even if they cannot move themselves. Gently move the person to simulate blood flow and relieve pressure from specific pressure sore prone areas. Carefully move the person to prevent tearing the skin and creating the start of a pressure sore.

2. Stay hydrated to prevent the skin from becoming very dry, fragile and more prone to pressure sores.

3. Use only soft cotton sheets with a soft pad such as a sheepskin pad or a foam egg crate pad over the top of the sheets to provide a cushion to pressure sore prone areas of the body. Sheep skin pads and foam egg crate pads are available at surgical supply stores.

4. Use moisturizer to keep skin from becoming too dry. Moisturizer with calendula work well to help prevent pressure sores. Dry skin is much more prone to pressure sores and bed sores than moisturized skin.

5. Use gentle massage to increase blood flow.

6. Wear loose fitting, soft cotton clothing. Do not wear any rough or scratching garments. Rougher fabrics can cause tearing of the skin with can lead to pressure sores and bed sores.

Tips & Warnings

• If pressure sores or bed sores do not heal or look to be infected see your doctor.