by Causes of Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores, develop when certain areas of the skin are subjected to excessive pressure. This can occur when sitting or lying in one position for a prolonged period without shifting position. Pressure ulcers are more common in people who are immobilized or have impaired mobility. Some of the common causes of pressure ulcers include:
– Lying or sitting in one position for long hours without shifting weight or pressure redistribution. This decreases blood circulation to the skin in certain areas.
– Obesity or significant weight loss which puts pressure on bony prominences like heels, hips, elbows, and shoulders.
– Neurological conditions like paralysis that affect mobility and sensing pressure.
– Vascular diseases that decrease blood flow to the skin tissues.
– Poor nutrition or dehydration that weakens the skin.
– Incontinence and moisture on the skin from urine or stool.
– Old age where skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity.
Pressure Ulcers Treatment Options
The Pressure Ulcers Treatment for pressure ulcers depends on the individual case and includes wound care, reducing pressure, treating any underlying causes, and preventing further injury or complications. Some of the main treatment approaches are:
Relieving Pressure
The first step in treatment involves eliminating pressure or reducing pressure on affected skin areas. This allows better blood flow and natural healing. Pressure can be reduced by shifting body position frequently, using special support surfaces that evenly distribute body weight, and avoiding sitting or lying in the same position for extended periods.
Wound Dressings and Cleaning
Keeping wounds clean and moist is essential for healing. Dead or infected tissue needs to be gently cleaned from wounds. Various types of dressings like hydrocolloid, alginate, hydrogel, or foam dressings may be applied depending on the condition of the wound. Dressings help maintain a moist environment ideal for healing.
Debriding Necrotic Tissue
Dead or infected Pressure Ulcers Treatment in wounds commonly known as slough or eschar needs surgical removal through a process called debridement to allow new tissue to grow. This can be done through various methods like surgical, enzymatic, autolytic, or hydrosurgical debridement.
Skin Grafting or Flaps
Deep wounds that do not heal with standard treatment may require skin grafting or flaps. This involves surgically transferring healthy skin from other parts of the body to cover open sores and promote wound closure. Skin substitutes made of biosynthetic material are also sometimes used.
Treating Underlying Causes
Any underlying medical conditions or impairments that increase risk of pressure ulcers must also be appropriately managed. This includes treating infections, optimizing nutrition, relieving contractures through positioning or therapies, and managing incontinence.
Infection Control
Wounds severely infected with bacteria, viruses, or fungi require prompt antibiotic therapy, antiseptics, and dressing with antimicrobial properties. Managing infection is crucial for jumpstarting natural healing processes.
Assessing Wound Healing
Treatment success depends on frequent wound assessment and management guided by factors like reduction in size, appearance of granulation tissue, and newly formed epithelial edges. Adjusting treatment specifics like dressings as the wound undergoes progression towards complete closure.
Preventing Recurrence
Ongoing risk reduction measures are adopted in the rehabilitation phase even after wounds fully close. This includes patient education, pressure redistributing supports like mattresses, seating, and mobility aids. Regular inspection of skin vulnerability aids early detection of any new developing sores.
Surgical Interventions
In severe cases where wounds become chronic or non-healing, surgical options may be considered to reconstruct damaged tissues. This can involve ostemy procedures to relieve pressure, muscle or skin flaps for coverage, and sometimes amputation in rare advanced cases.
Nutritional Support
Ensuring optimal protein, calorie, vitamin, and mineral intake through oral supplements or feeding tubes aids wound healing and collagen synthesis. Hydration level is also watched. zinc, vitamin C and proteins play a key role.
Considering Alternate Pressure Ulcers Treatment Therapies
Complementary options like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), Maggot therapy, ultrasound therapy, electromagnetic therapy and growth factors are sometimes used along with standard treatment based on individual presentation and non-response.
More research is ongoing on newer advanced treatment modalities.
The overall goal is complete wound closure achieved through a multidisciplinary approach addressing all contributing factors and preventing recurrences with diligent long-term follow-up. Complications are managed promptly to yield best results. With right prevention and timely aggressive management, pressure ulcers can achieve full recovery in majority of cases.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
