How to prevent bedsores at home

Pressure sores develop when extra pressure is placed on the skin in a short span of time. This causes disruption to the blood flow to the skin, leading to a depravation of oxygen and nutrients to the affected parts that result in the formation of ulcers. It is a common symptom for those who are afflicted by illnesses that severely restrict their movement, resulting in them having to spend extended periods of time being confined to the bed or sitting down in a wheelchair.

To best prevent bedsores at home from developing is to be frequently changing positions, which helps relief pressure off areas that have been under pressure and promote better blood circulation. Health professionals recommended that wheelchair users should change their position every 15 to 30 minutes, while those who are bedridden ought to change every two hours.

Even after a sore has developed, the best course of action is to relief pressure from those spots by regularly shifting weights and changing positions. This would avoid putting any further pressure on those ulcer spots, thereby giving it time to heal. However, if the person is unable to reposition independently, instructions should be given to care takers to do so regularly. They will also need to inspect the skin at least twice a day for areas that are potentially at risk of developing pressure sores, including the lower back, foot of the heel and base of the buttocks.

For active wheelchair users, another great way of preventing bedsores sores is to exercise and maintain an active lifestyle. By incorporating physical activities into your daily routine helps promote better blood circulation and relieves pressure. It also aids in the maintenance of healthy skin and wound healing that prevents extra pressure from building up at specific spots.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy level of physical activity helps people maintain a healthy body weight. This prevents muscle wastage in patients who suffer from paralysis due to a lack of physical activity, another reason that is likely to lead to the development of pressure sores. On the flip side, exercise strengthens and builds up muscles that would mean more cushioning between the bones and the seat, providing additional protection for vulnerable skin. Moreover, those with stronger upper-body strength are better able to lift themselves off the arms of the chair to reposition themselves.

Bedsores sores can be painful and result in a reduction in the quality of life for patients. By introducing forms of regular exercise into their daily lives, it is a preventive treatment that is likely to reap potential long-term benefits when the patient’s general state of mind and health has improved.