Pressure ulcers are very painful and can take a long time to heal. Additionally, if not treated properly, they can become a serious infection or even lead to death. Therefore, it is important to take measures on how to treat and prevent pressure ulcers in older people with reduced mobility.
What are pressure ulcers or UPPs?
Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, are injuries that occur to the skin and the tissue beneath it due to prolonged pressure on the skin.
These injuries are common in people who spend a lot of time in bed or sitting, as the skin and tissue beneath it do not receive enough blood supply and do not regenerate properly.
Pressure ulcers can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common in pressure areas, such as the heels, ankles, buttocks, and shoulders. If not treated properly, pressure ulcers can become serious and lead to serious complications, such as infections and sepsis.
How to prevent pressure ulcers?
Some ways you can care for and try to prevent pressure ulcers:
- Avoid prolonged friction and pressure: One of the most effective ways to prevent pressure ulcers is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be done by changing positions frequently and avoiding supporting the weight of the body for too long in a single area.
- Use a special pillow or mattress: Another way to avoid friction and pressure is to use a special pillow or mattress that distributes the weight of the body more evenly. These products are specifically designed to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Perform mobility exercises: Although the person may be bedridden or have difficulty moving, it is important to maintain mobility as best as possible. Gentle mobility exercises, such as moving your fingers and toes, can be done to help prevent pressure ulcers.
- Keep skin clean and dry: Dry skin is more prone to developing pressure ulcers. Therefore, it is important to keep the skin in the best condition possible, avoiding dirt or moisture, especially in high-risk areas such as heels, knees and hips.
- Wear soft, comfortable clothing and bedding: Stiff or tight clothing and bedding can increase friction and pressure.
PU care in the elderly
Pressure ulcers are a common complication in older people, especially those who have limitations in moving or changing positions frequently, which is why it is so common to find ulcers in the elderly.
These ulcers can be painful and require appropriate treatment to avoid more serious complications. The best way to provide PU care in the elderly is home care.
Here are some tips for treating pressure ulcers in older people:
- Carefully clean the wound: Use warm water and mild soap to clean the wound and remove any dirt or dead cells. Then, gently dry the wound and apply a layer of healing cream.
- Protect the wound: Place gauze or a bandage over the wound to protect it from dirt and clothing. Be sure to change the gauze or bandage frequently to prevent contamination.
- Avoid pressure on the wound: it is important to avoid placing weight or pressure on the wound while it is in the healing process. You can use a special pillow or pressure board to distribute the weight more evenly.
- Keep the skin hydrated: you must ensure that the older person’s skin is hydrated and soft to prevent the appearance of new pressure ulcers. Use a moisturizer or massage oil to keep your skin hydrated.
- Perform mobility exercises: help the elderly person perform gentle mobility exercises to improve circulation and prevent the formation of new pressure ulcers.
It is important to have a good professional in the care of PUs in older people to carry out correct healing, disinfection and prevention work.
