5 Tips to help you care for your pressure ulcer

Written by Dimora Medical

Published on June 27, 2024

Pressure injuries, also termed bedsores, are localized skin and soft tissue injuries that form as a result of prolonged pressure and shear.

lf you notice a persistent, warm, and painful red spot at a pressure site on your family members, it could be an early-stage pressure ulcer. Without proper care, this can worsen, forming cavities or tunnels, and potentially emitting a foul odor.

Who are at high risk for pressure ulcers?

The people who are most at risk of bedsores have medical conditions that keep them from changing positions or moving. Or they spend most of their time in a bed or a chair.

Individuals who are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or have limited mobility due to illness, injury, or aging are at high risk for pressure ulcers because their skin is more susceptible to pressure.

What are the common sites for pressure ulcers?

The most effective method for pressure ulcer care is prevention.

5 tips to prevent the pressure ulcers.

Regular Repositioning

Repositioning Frequency: Turn every 2 hours to alleviate localized pressure.
Repositioning Method: Use a 30-degree lateral position instead of a 90-degree side-lying position to reduce pressure and shear forces.

Use Pressure Redistribution Devices

Anti-Decubitus Mattresses and Cushions: Choose mattresses and cushions with good pressure distribution effects, such as air mattresses, foam mattresses, and gel mattresses.
Special Equipment: For high-risk patients, consider using dynamic mattresses or low air loss mattresses.

Skin Care

Keep Skin Clean and Dry: Regularly clean the skin to prevent moisture and contamination.
Use Protective Dressings: Apply transparent film dressings, foam dressings, or hydrogel dressings on high-risk areas to protect the skin.
Avoid Friction and Shear Forces: When moving patients, avoid dragging motions. Use slide boards or sliding sheets to reduce friction.

Nutritional Support

Balanced Diet: Provide a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote skin health and wound healing.
Nutritional Assessment: Regularly evaluate the patient's nutritional status and provide supplements if necessary.

Assessment and Monitoring

Skin Inspection: Check the patient's skin daily, especially over bony prominences like the hips, heels, and elbows.
Risk Assessment Tools: Use risk assessment tools like the Braden Scale or Norton Scale to regularly evaluate the patient's risk for pressure ulcers.

The wound dressings you need to use for caring pressure ulcers.

Silicone Border Foam Dressings

Silicone border foam dressings consist of foam, a silicone layer, PU film, and an isolation film. The soft and flexible foam absorbs large amounts of exudate, reducing the risk of maceration.

The silicone adhesive border provides gentle and safe fixation, allowing the dressing to be removed easily without pain. Dimora Silicone Bordered Foam Dressings are self-adhesive, and different sizes are designed for conforming to the body's contours, and can be easily used on difficult-to-dress areas.

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Hydrocolloid Wound Dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings absorb wound exudate and form a cohesive gel, creating a moist healing environment that enhances the regeneration of granulation tissue, promotes epithelial cell division and migration, and accelerates wound healing. Dimora Hydrocolloid Wound Dressings excel in liquid absorption, compliance, and adhesion, ensuring effective wound care.

Calcium Alginate Wound Dressings

Made from natural seaweed fibers, calcium alginate dressings effectively absorb and lock in exudate. Upon absorbing exudate, the dressing forms a gel that protects the wound and promotes healing.