If you’re worried about bedsores, you might check the areas of your body that rest against a bed or wheelchair frequently to see if they feel any different when you touch them.
Call your care provider as soon as you feel any itching or pain. If you do have an infection, you need to get treatment as soon as possible.
An offensive odor may indicate infection in the wound, in which case you should see a doctor immediately.
How long has the skin discoloration been present? How painful is your skin in these areas? Have you had a recurring fever? Have you had bedsores before? How frequently are you changing positions or moving around? What is your diet like? How much water do you drink every day?
Stage I: The skin has some level of discoloration but there is no open wound. For lighter complexions, the skin may look red; for darker complexions, the skin may look blue, purple or even white if your circulation is poor. Stage II: There is an open wound that is still shallow. The edges of the wound are infected or have dead tissue. Stage III: The wound is wide open and deep. It extends below the top layer of skin into the fat tissue layers. It may have fluid or pus in the wound. Stage IV: The wound is large, affecting several layers of skin tissue. Muscle or bone may be exposed, and there may be eschar, which is a dark substance that indicates necrotic (dead) tissue.
If you’re in a wheelchair, you might use cushions to change your position. The cushions can prop you up at different angles to redistribute your weight onto another pressure point. Additionally, it’s best for you to spend some time everyday lying in your bed or on the couch to minimize your time in the same position.
Some support products such as doughnut-type products might actually increase the risk of developing bedsores. You can avoid this by switching out what type of product you are using to change up your pressure points. Check with your doctor to determine which products are best for you.
If you have diabetes, this might contribute to lower blood circulation. Work with your doctor to strategize how to improve blood circulation.
Be careful when using disposable underwear or pants made for incontinence. While these products can be very helpful if you need them, they can cause bedsores if you leave them on for too long. Change disposable underwear as soon as they become soiled, as the wetness increases the risk of bedsores.
Take ibuprofen before or after you reposition your body, when you undergo a debridement procedure, or when your wounds are getting cleaned. These can help reduce pain that you might feel. [8] X Research source If you still feel pain during wound cleaning, your medical provider may prescribe a stronger pain medication.
Pay special attention to the shoulders, lower back, tailbone, foot heel, hips, buttocks, knees, back of the head, elbows and ankles. Even your ears can develop bedsores if you lie on them for long periods of time. [9] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Bedsores that develop on the buttocks or near the groin may be prone to getting feces or urine on them. Use protective and/or waterproof bandages over the bedsore area to eliminate this risk.
Do not use antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide on bedsores unless advised to by your doctor. These can actually hamper the healing process. [11] X Research source There are different types of bandages or dressing materials that can be used. Make sure you choose non-stick bandages that won’t stick to your wound. Soak the bandage with saline before you remove it so it comes off easily. Also, clear film or hydrogel can help a Stage I bedsore heal quickly and should be changed every 3-7 days. Other bandages may allow for more air to circulate or to protect from other fluids such as feces, urine or blood. [12] X Research source
Ask your doctor what they can do to help manage any discomfort you may feel during the procedure.
If you have developed osteomyelitis, or a bone infection, you may need to take a long course of antibiotic medication. It may require more involved intervention from a doctor. [14] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
The easiest way to monitor how well your sores are healing is to take frequent photos and measurements of the wound. Keep the photos and measurements as a record.
Eating or drinking lots of protein will also help keep your body healthy. If you’re worried you aren’t getting enough protein through your diet, a supplement drink like Ensure can help.
You can also get added hydration by sucking on ice cubes throughout the day in addition to drinking water. Do not drink alcohol, as this can contribute to dehydrating your body.
