Pressure Ulcers/Bedsores

Signature Health Services can help with pressure ulcers and bedsores.

Pressure Ulcers/Bedsores

What is a bedsore?

A pressure ulcer is a skin or tissue injury usually formed due to prolonged pressure over a specific body area. Widely known as bedsores because they are common in bedridden patients, either unconscious, immobilized, or unable to feel pain.

The pressure in the skin disrupts the blood flow leading to oxygen and nutrient starvation. Then, the skin begins to break down, and an ulcer forms. Bed sores can vary in severity depending on the affected area. Injuries can range from discolored skin spots to big open wounds that expose underlying muscles or bones

Who can be affected by pressure ulcers?

The risk of developing bed sores is significantly higher among patients with mobility impairments, making it difficult to change position while seated or in bed. Most known risk factors also include:

Lack of sensory perception – An inability to feel pain can result in not recognizing warning signs and not needing to change position.
Poor hydration and nutrition – A healthy diet and proper fluid consumption help to maintain healthy skin.
Incontinence – Prolonged exposure to urine or stool makes the skin more likely to develop pressure ulcers.
Reduced blood flow due to a medical condition – Diabetes or vascular disease might increase the risk of tissue damage.

Stages of pressure ulcers

Stage 1

Skin with light redness or slightly dark pigmentation over a slight prominence.

Stage 2

The development of a shallow open ulcer with a partial loss of skin or a blister will occur.

Stage 3

Complete tissue loss and underlying fat might be visible.

Stage 4

The patient will have total thickness and tissue loss with bone and muscle exposure.

Common sites of bed sores?

Shoulder blades
Elbows
Tailbone or hip area
Heels
Back and sides of the knees
Back of the head

What is the treatment for bed sores?

The primary purposes of treatment are to minimize contact of the sore with a hard surface, avoid persisting pressure, diminish moisture, and prevent infections. Overall, pressure ulcer treatment should focus on the following:

Keeping the wound clean
Removing the infected or damaged tissue, particularly in stage 4 ulcers
Treating possible infections with antibiotics
Prescribe pain relievers
Ensuring proper nutrition and hydration

How can skilled home nursing help prevent pressure ulcers?

Most bed sores can be prevented with a correct skin inspection, with particular attention to bony areas. Some other methods of preventing bed sores are:

Providing softer padding in beds and wheelchairs
Changing sitting position every 15 minutes
Repositioning and turning bedridden patients every two hours
Providing adequate nutrition
Maintaining the skin clean and healthy

How much does pressure ulcer treatment cost in Houston, Texas?

Professional involvement in a medical treatment cost depends on your health requirements and medical insurance particularities. However, a skilled nurse will always be prepared to deal with any existing bedsore(s) and prevent the development of new ones. So please, feel free to call us about any inquiry or information regarding the home care of a bedridden patient.

Why choose Signature Health Services?

At Signature, we have the experience and resources to provide the best support for the patient and the family. Also, our registered nurses may help with assistance and could support any treatment process.

For more information on how Signature Health Services can help with your healthcare needs, please call 1 (800) 277-8291 (option 1) or email information@signaturehealthservices.net.