If you spend most of your day sitting or lying down in the same position, you’re at risk for pressure ulcers in Binghamton, NY. Pressure ulcers are also known as pressure sores and bed sores. They occur when there is pressure on the skin for extended periods of time, which damages the skin and can eventually cause it to rupture. This exposes the patient to infection.
No one wants to suffer from pressure ulcers, so it’s important that you know how to check for and prevent them. Read on to learn more about pressure ulcers and how to avoid developing this painful issue:
- Get up and get moving as much as possible: Pressure sores develop when a person sits or lies in the same position for too long. Sometimes, this is due to limited mobility—it’s not enough to simply shift position or move from a bed to a wheelchair. Instead, try to get up and move around as much as possible. This improves circulation, which in turn prevents pressure ulcers.
- Keep your skin dry and clean: If you have mobility issues, this can be a huge challenge. Incontinence is a big contributing factor to pressure ulcers, so if you’re unable to wipe thoroughly, you may need help. The acids and enzymes in urine and feces are unhealthy for the skin and can degrade it faster than usual. Keeping the skin dry and free of urine and feces is the key to avoiding pressure ulcers in especially sensitive areas.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Good circulation is the most important component to avoid pressure ulcers, but making sure you have balanced nutrition is another important piece of the puzzle. Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet ensures your body has all the nutrients it needs to fight off pressure ulcers.
- Use special bedding to reduce pressure: There are plenty of special mattress toppers, pads and other specialty products to help reduce pressure on delicate skin. It’s important that bedridden patients shift positions as often as possible, and you may need special padding to protect healing skin.
- Check the skin for signs of sores: Finally, make sure you and your caretakers check the skin for signs of pressure ulcers as often as possible. Know the signs of pressure ulcers—for example, a Stage I pressure ulcer is characterized by red, sore skin, like what you might have if you drove for many hours without stopping to get out and move around. If you see any signs, follow the rest of the tips on the list to ward off further issues.
Now that you know what pressure ulcers are and how to prevent them in Binghamton, NY, you can make the right lifestyle changes and get assistive living equipment to help. For example, special beds, pads and chairs are all great ways to prevent pressure sores.
For more information about home medical equipment and products to prevent ulcers from developing when seated or lying down, call Penn York Medical today. We’ll help you find the right equipment for your needs.