Pressure Sore Prevention

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What Can You Do to Prevent Them?
Pressure sores (bed sores) are painful red spots on the body that are especially common among the elderly and disabled. These spots are more likely to occur on bony regions of the body. Pressure spots are caused from pressure placed on a spot on the body cutting off the oxygen supply to that area. If the oxygen supply is not quickly replenished a pressure sore can develop. These sores can occur very quickly, usually with in a couple hours. There are a few, easy precautionary steps you can take in order to eliminate the risk of creating painful pressure sores.

The best precautionary step to take to ensure no pressure sores develop is to lift or move the person frequently. This ensures the pressure is relieved to all areas of the body frequently. If confined to a wheel chair, simply changing position can relieve the built up pressure. When confined to a bed, oxygen flow can be replenished my moving the person into a different position, like on to their side or simply shifting them. This step can greatly reduce the possibility of pressure sores developing.

It is important when trying to prevent pressure sores from developing that the person is placed on a soft surface. Hard surfaces can increase the pace at which a pressure sore develops. Soft surfaces are not only more comfortable but do not produce an extreme pressure source. Air cushions are available for purchase. These are good to have because they can automatically adjust their own pressure in certain areas to decrease the risk of pressure sores. Plus they can provide added comfort.

When trying to prevent pressure sores it is very important to double check and make sure there are no hard objects resting on the body, such as a bar from a wheel chair. These objects are not only uncomfortable but can produce extremely painful sores. Every time you change the person's position make sure you check to see if they are pressed up against any hard object and nothing is digging into any spot on their body.