Pressure sores | 3 important aspects of prevention

Pressure sores tend to occur in bedridden individuals. It is more common among the elderly, though persons of any age can get affected. Pressure sores could be as a result of spinal injury or any prolonged debilitating illness. It is a cause of increased stress in the affected individual and caregivers. It results in increased medical expenses. 

Proper care can help us reduce the incidence (prevent) and achieve early healing of pressure sores. The following three aspects form an important part of care among individuals at risk of developing a pressure sore: 

1. Position change: Prolonged pressure as a result of body weight leads to damage of skin and underlying tissues. There is occlusion of small blood vessels and ischemia (reduced oxygenation) of tissues. Hence, it is important to move. Bedridden patients should change their position at least once every 2 hours. Among those who are dependent on a wheelchair, there should be frequent relief from sustained pressures. They should offload their pressures by lifting themselves from the seat of the wheelchair. 
2. Nutrition: Adequate nutrition helps in the repair of tissues and early healing. Nutrition involves adequate calories (energy) and protein. Calorie intake should be assessed in case there is a weight loss of the affected individual. Protein-rich foods like pulses, dairy, eggs, fish, or meat should be consumed adequately. Green leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamins.
3. Skincare: These include the prevention of both drying and maceration of the skin. Skin breakdown is usually indicative of greater damage to the underlying tissues. Early attention should be sought in case there is a breakdown of the skin.

The onset of a skin breakdown must be viewed seriously. It may not be possible to eliminate all of the risk factors that can lead to a pressure sore. However, with adequate care, it is possible to prevent this condition.
You can learn more about pressure sores here.