Things you need to know about Bedsores / Pressure Injuries

Do you have a loved one in your home who is bedridden or uses a wheelchair due to an illness? Taking care of them is a big responsibility. One issue that we often don't think about, but is very important, is the so-called "bed sores". These are also called `(Bedsores)` or `(Pressure Injuries)` in English. Simply put, these are painful wounds that occur due to prolonged pressure on the same area of ​​the skin. Although they may initially look like a small redness, if not taken care of properly, these wounds can grow larger, become infected, and even become dangerous. So, let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

What exactly are these bed sores?

Simply put, bedsores are damage to our skin and the tissues underneath it. This happens when we stay in the same position for a long time, and the weight of our body puts pressure on a certain area of ​​the skin. This pressure disrupts the blood flow to that area. Think of it like someone stepping on a water pipe and the water stops flowing. In the same way, when the blood flow stops, the skin cells in that area do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. After a while, those cells start to die. That's when they appear as a wound.

These injuries are called by several other names. Don't be alarmed if your doctor calls you one of these names.

• `Pressure sores`
• `Pressure ulcers`
• `Decubitus ulcers`

All of these are about the same situation.

Where are these injuries most likely to occur?

These sores can actually occur anywhere on the body. For example, they can appear on the nose, ears, or even the back of the head of someone who is on oxygen. However, they most often occur in areas where our bones are very close to our skin and where there is a lot of pressure.

Imagine someone lying on a bed. Where does their body weight rest the most?

• Hips
• Buttocks and tailbone
• Heels and Ankles
• Shoulder blades and back
• Elbows
• Back of the head

For someone in a wheelchair, the most pressure is placed on the buttocks, backs of the legs, and heels. Therefore, it is very important to always pay attention to these areas when caring for such a patient.

Who is at higher risk of developing these injuries?

Although anyone can get bed sores, some people are at a higher risk. This includes anyone who has difficulty moving or changing positions on their own.

Let's identify the stages of bed sores

A bed sore doesn't get bigger all at once. It progresses through several stages. It's important to recognize these stages and start treatment as soon as possible.

Complications that can occur from bed sores

A bed sore is not just a skin wound. If not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications that can even be life-threatening.

• Skin Infection (Cellulitis): The skin around the wound becomes red, swollen, warm, and painful. This is a bacterial infection.
• Bone and joint infections: If the wound goes deep and the germs reach the bones or joints, serious infections such as ``Osteomyelitis`` or ``Septic Arthritis`` can occur.
• Cancer: Long-term, non-healing wounds can sometimes lead to a type of skin cancer.
• Sepsis: This is the most dangerous condition. Germs from the wound enter the bloodstream, spread throughout the body, and begin to cause organ failure. This is life-threatening.

How do you know if a wound is infected?

Check your patient's wound for these signs. If they are present, see a doctor immediately.

• If the wound smells bad
• If you have yellow or green pus
• If there is increasing redness, swelling, and warmth around the wound
• If the pain increases
• If the patient has a fever and feels cold

How is it treated?

The treatment method is determined by the stage of the injury and the patient's overall health.

Non-surgical treatment

1. Reduce pressure: The first and most important thing is to stop further pressure from coming to the wound. The patient's position should be changed frequently. Special mattresses and cushions can be used.

2. Cleaning the wound: It is essential to keep the wound clean. You can clean the wound with saline water or a mild soap as directed by your doctor.

3. Dressing: There are special types of dressings that help the wound heal, retain moisture, and protect it from germs. For example, things like Hydrogel and Hydrocolloid. Your doctor will decide which type to use.

4. Debridement: Dead, black tissue in the wound is an obstacle to healing. This is removed by a doctor using surgical instruments, special creams, or other methods.

Medicines

• Antibiotics: If there is an infection, they are given as oral medications or ointments.
• Painkillers: Medication is given to control the pain of the wound.

Surgery

Large, non-healing wounds in stages 3 or 4 sometimes require surgery. This involves taking skin from another part of the body and closing the wound with a skin graft.

The most important thing: to prevent bed sores!

It's easier to prevent bed sores than to treat them. If you have a bedridden patient in your home, be sure to take care of these things.

• Change positions frequently: If you are bedridden, change positions at least every two hours . If you are in a wheelchair, encourage your weight to shift at least every 15 minutes .
• Check your skin daily: Check your skin at least once a day, especially in high-risk areas (hips, heels, buttocks). Look for red spots, blisters, or other changes.
• Keep skin clean and dry: Clean skin with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Moisturize well and keep dry. Do not let sweat, urine, etc. remain on the skin. Use `(moisture barrier creams)` if necessary.
• Provide good nutrition: Providing a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for wound healing and keeping the skin healthy. It is also important to ensure that the dog drinks plenty of fluids.
• Take care of your bedding: Keep your bedding smooth and wrinkle-free. Change it as soon as it gets wet.
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke, help yourself quit. Nicotine reduces blood flow and slows down wound healing.
• Use special equipment: Special pressure-reducing mattresses and cushions (air mattresses, foam cushions) can be used on the advice of your doctor.