| Pressure Ulcer (Bed Sore) Care |
Published
05/30/2006
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Wound Care
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Review the pressure ulcer care instructions with your healthcare professional on a regular basis. Be sure that you have directions for:
·wound cleansing
·skin care
·wound dressings
·turning & repositioning
·pressure relief - When in bed, turn or shift at least every two hours. Use the free Turning Clocks from WCD to customize your own turning schedule.
- When sitting, shift weight at least every 15 minutes.
- Moisturize the skin with body lotion or cream, but avoid massaging bony prominences.
- Control the factors that contribute to pressure ulcers, such as sweating, Incontinence of bowel or bladder, friction and shear.
- Use turning sheets, pillows, heel elevators, body positioners or other devices to reduce pressure, friction and shear. Use incontinence washes & moisture barriers to protect the skin from breakdown due to urine or stool.
- When preparing to change the wound dressing, organize and set up all the supplies you will need before you begin.
Wash the skin around the ulcer, the legs and feet regularly with a mild soap and water. Pat the skin dry gently and apply a skin lotion or cream to moisturize the skin.
Avoid the use of drying or cytotoxic agents like povidone-iodine, hydrogen peroxide or Dakin's solution. They can damage new cells and delay healing.
Discard used dressing materials carefully in a plastic bag that ties.
Watch the wound carefully for any changes and report them to your healthcare professional right away. Be especially alert for signs of infection, such as fever, increased pain, increased swelling, warmth, drainage, pus or a change in odor.
Eat a balanced diet. Avoid lifestyle behaviors that impair wound healing, such as smoking.
Avoid products that can cause skin allergies, especially products that contain latex, lanolin, perfumes and dyes. If a rash develops, call your healthcare professional right away. Don't scratch!
Be patient and gentle. It may take weeks or months for a deep pressure ulcer to heal.
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