Decubitus Ulcer Prevention and Protection

Clean, Moisturize and Protect.

Decubitus ulcers are pressure sores, or bed sores, they can vary in degree of severity. They are caused by pressure to the tissue, often from being in the same position for too long. They can range from a mild pink coloration of the skin, that goes away quickly after pressure is relieved, to a sore that extends through the epidermis, the dermis, the subcutaneous fat, and even can extend through bone into internal organs.

Those who are in wheelchairs, are bedridden, or aged are at greater risk for developing decubitus ulcers. Often bedridden individuals also suffer from incontinence, (functional incontinence) and thus the skin may be further compromised due to exposure to feces and urine, prolonged wetness, and irritation caused by improperly sized absorbent products.

What can be done to prevent decubitus ulcers?

1. The first way to prevent and protect against decubitus ulcers is to change positions every 2 hours maximum. Two hours is the longest tissue can tolerate pressure without damage being incurred. This means frequent moving, and adjusting of bedridden individuals. And increased mobility for those who can move on their own.

2. Next, protect the skin with padding to prevent tissue abrasion. This can reduce the pressure, and thus the risk of developing pressure related sores.

3. Maintain properly hydrated skin, and body. When the skin becomes dehydrated it loses elasticity, cracks, and chaffs more easily. This can increase the risk of ulcers forming. Drink plenty of fluids, and consider using a moisturizer to help with skin hydration.

4. Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet. Individuals with high risk for ulcers, or who have already suffered from them must have increased nutrition to allow for proper healing of the wounds, and to provide their bodies with the building blocks needed for prevention and repair.

5. Practice proper hygiene and improved skin care. This is especially important when incontinent. Consider a skin care regimen that involves a pH balanced cleanser, a moisturizer, and an ointment to protect the skin from prolonged wetness. Change absorbent products as soon as they are soiled, and clean with each change, both feces and urine, as both can break down the skin. And, choose the right absorbent products for the severity of incontinence, as well as the right size and fit for the individual’s body type. To quickly and easily sort through the more than 600 options, try this handy Incontinence Product Finder.

How are decubitus ulcers treated?

1. Clean, Moisturize, and Protect

• Clean regularly with Lantiseptic No-Rinse Cleansing Foam.
• Moisturize skin daily with Lantiseptic Dry Skin Therapy to help maintain moisture balance or to clear reddened skin. 
• Protect as needed with Lantiseptic Skin Protectant to create a superior environment for the healing process.

Learn more about these great products. 

2. Remove any necrotic tissue. It will lead to infection, as bacteria will feed on the dead tissue.

3. Use antibiotics, if prescribed by a physician to help treat the problem.

4. Sometimes surgical removal and/or amputation is needed.

5. Remove pressure to prevent further damage and promote healing. This can be achieved through frequent turning.

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.