Prevention of Pressure Sores

Prevention of Pressure Sores

Position changes to prevent pressure sores

Alleviate Pressure and Protect Your Skin

  • Regular weight shifts in chairs and regular repositioning in bed can help prevent pressure sores.

  • By redistributing pressure and relieving certain areas of the body, you can reduce the risk of painful and debilitating pressure ulcers.

  • Specialized support surfaces and lateral turning wound care mattresses can assist with automatically shifting your position, ensuring continuous pressure relief even for patients who are unable to reposition themselves.

  • Ensure that the support surface you use is suitable for your specific needs, as all support surfaces are not created equal and may not effectively prevent or treat pressure or decubitus ulcers.

Daily skin care for pressure sore prevention

Protect Your Skin, Maintain Moisture, and Promote Healing

  • Regularly examine your skin for any signs of redness or discoloration, as early detection allows for prompt intervention and prevention of further skin damage.

  • Keep your skin hydrated by utilizing the appropriate support surfaces and moisturizing products, reducing the risk of dryness that can make the skin more susceptible to damage.

  • Utilize specialized support surfaces that distribute pressure evenly across the body, minimizing shear, tears, and increased pressure on bony areas.

  • Follow the care plans provided by healthcare professionals for effective pressure sore prevention and treatment.

Nutrition and lifestyle changes to prevent pressure sores

Take Control of Your Health and Well-being

  • Quit smoking to improve blood circulation, enhance the body's healing ability, and lower the risk of developing pressure sores.

  • Maintain a well-balanced diet that includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fluids, and energy intake to reverse malnutrition and support overall skin health.

  • Follow prescribed medications as part of the physician's care plan, if necessary.

  • Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce the risk of pressure sore development.

  • Practice good hygiene, especially if incontinent, to prevent skin breakdown and the development of pressure sores.

  • Incorporate mobility and offloading pressure exercises into daily routines, if possible, with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

References

WOCN 2016 Guideline for Prevention and Management of Pressure Injuries (Ulcers): An Executive Summary

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