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| Diabetes and incontinence are linked. |
Pressure sores form when the bone squeezes your skin and tissue against an outside surface. This usually occurs where the bones are near the skin, such as hips, shoulders, knees, ankles, heels, elbows, and can even form between digits.
For those with diabetes, pressure sores can occur due to the person being immobile, remaining in a bed, chair or wheelchair for extended periods of time, or due to incontinence. Diabetes and incontinence are linked, and incontinence can make individuals more prone to pressure sore. The excessive moisture softens the skin and reduces resistance.
Pressure sores can vary in severity. Some are simply mild reddening, while others can be craters that extend into muscle and bone. They can be very painful. Bedsores or pressure sores most commonly occur in those over 70 years old who are bedridden.
Because pressure sores can be painful, and lead to infection and illness, it is important for those with diabetes and incontinence to be aware of their risk, learn how to prevent them, and what to do to treat them should they already exist.
First, understanding the risks is a big step. When you know what puts you at a higher risk for developing pressure sores, you can be more vigilant in preventing them. The factors that put seniors at higher risk include:
- immobility
- inactivity
- fecal or urinary incontinence
- poor nutrition
- decreased level of consciousness
- low body weight
- smoking
- corticosteroid use
As you can see, staying active, eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, keeping weight under control, and eliminating habits such as smoking can all help reduce the risk of developing pressure sores. Incontinence is on the list, and while you may not be able to avoid it entirely, there are things that can be done to help prevent pressure sores and ulcers.
Diabetics with incontinence should adopt a skin care regimen to help keep their skin healthy despite the unfavorable circumstances caused by incontinence. The regimen should include cleansing with a pH balanced cleanser rather than soap and water. Soap and water can be very hard on the skin. A great option is with Lantiseptic No Rinse, pH balanced Cleansers.
Next, the skin should be moisturized to help clear up reddening, and help the skin maintain its natural elasticity. Lantiseptic Dry Skin Therapy is a great option, and should be used at the first sign of potential pressure sores or ulcers.
Last, the skin should be protected. Older skin develops less sebum, which is the body’s natural defense against wetness, which is why those over 70 are more at risk for pressure ulcers. A good skin care regimen should include an ointment or treatment that will act as a barrier, protecting skin from the moisture caused by urinary or fecal incontinence. Lantiseptic Skin Protectant is great for prevention, and Lantiseptic Multi-purpose Ointment is an excellent option for treatment.
In addition, avoiding pressure sores in incontinent seniors is best accomplished by using the right products, that fit well, and change them often. To find a huge selection of absorbent products, and be able to sort through them quickly and easily to find what meets your needs, visit our Incontinence Product Finder.
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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.
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