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Pressure sores, Bedsores and Decubitus Ulcers

Identification, Prevention and Treatment

     Pressure sores, Bedsores and Decubitus Ulcers are all different names for the same condition.

    These are sores which occur when an area of skin degrades due to a lack of blood supply to the area. This cut off of blood supply is most commonly caused by tissue being pressed between bony areas of the body and the epidermis for extended periods of time. The pressure causes the tissue to be starved of nutrients and oxygen. Most commonly, pressure sores form where your bones are close to your skin, such as your ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. However, they can also be the result of prolonged external pressure against the skin or even begin with injuries, such minor cuts, bruises or burns.

    Normally, our bodies send messages of pain from an affected area to our brain telling us to relieve the pressure or change positions. However, people with conditions that affect sensation or mobility (such as spinal cord injuries, severe spina bifida, variations of multiple sclerosis, diabetes, strokes or other diseases) either don’t feel or are unable to respond to these pressure pains and move to a new position. 

Diagram of where pressure sores may occure on the body     Pressure sores can start as small, red areas and quickly progress to a more serious Stage IV pressure wound that is identified by damage to the tissue all of the way to the bone.  Healing a pressure sore can take days, weeks, months or even years.  Left untreated, a pressure sore can cause serious infections which can lead to amputation or even death.



Identification:

Most commonly, a beginning pressure sore can be identified by the appearance of a red or dark area or spot on the skin that does not go away 30 minutes after pressure has been removed from the area.  The area may also be light, dry, flaky, ashy or warm to the touch.  In general, any area of your skin that changes from its normal appearance should be watched carefully.

Four stages of pressure sores:

Photo of a Stage 1 Pressure SoreStage 1 - Damage is limited to the top two layers of skin and skin is not broken.  When touched, darkened area does not turn white.  People with dark skin may have areas that turn blue or purple.
Photo of a Stage 2 Pressure SoreStage 2 - Damage extends to the fat tissue. Blisters or abrasions have formed.  Area around the sore is likely red and irritated.
Photo of a Stage 3 Pressure SoreStage 3 - Damage extends down into the muscle. Sore will appear as a crater and surrounding tissue can be damaged.
Photo of a Stage 4 Pressure SoreStage 4 - Damage extends to the muscle and bone, and sometimes tendons and joints.  Undermining and tunneling can occur, making treatment and healing even more difficult.

Prevention:

You can prevent the sores by

  • Daily checking your body for red areas which could become sores
  • Keeping skin clean, dry and moisturized
  • Shifting position often when sitting
  • Turning every two hours through the night
  • Using pillows, custom cushions and products that relieve pressure
  • Protecting your skin, especially during transfers
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including plenty of rest
  • Eating a balanced diet and taking daily vitamins
  • Drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 cups) every day.
  • Exercising daily to stimulate good circulation

Treatment:

There are several things you can do to help pressure sores heal:

  • Relieve the pressure that caused the sore, even if it means staying in bed an extended period of time and acquiring a pressure-reducing cushion.
  • Treat the sore itself with an alkalizing healing accelerator, such as Miracle Mist Plus, several times a day if possible.
  • Improve nutrition, eliminate junk food, eat more protein, reduce acidic foods and increase alkaline foods.
  • Take a vitamin protocol specifically designed to help your body heal faster

Our recommended Vitamin Protocol can be found here.

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