Categories and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are many a time termed as bedsores, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers. These are localized skin injuries or inherent tissue which generally occurs over a bony protrusion as a result of pressure along with a combination of friction. These pressure ulcers happen owing to the pressure applied to soft tissues which partially or completely block the blood supply to that particular tissue.

These types of ulcers mostly happen to people who have not moved in a long time such as been bedridden or been on a wheelchair. The most common places on the body where these ulcers usually occur are over a bony prominence such as sacrum/ischium, heels, hips (trochanter), even knees, ankles, elbows, back of the head (occipit) and ears, coccyx, and at the back of the shoulders. It has been proved that a few other external factors can also encourage the tolerance of skin for any kind of pressure and eventually increasing the chances of pressure ulcer development. Microclimate (skin wetness because of sweating or incontinence), diseases that lessen the skin’s sensation (paralysis or neuropathy), protein-calorie malnutrition, and diseases that reduce blood flow to the skin (arteriosclerosis) are a few examples. The rate at which these pressure ulcers heal might get affected owing to the age of an individual, his/her health conditions – for instance diabetes, any kind of infection, or arteriosclerosis, having smoking habit, or consuming any anti-inflammatory drugs.

Classification and Treatment of Pressure Injury

Pressure injuries which occur due to pressure ulcers are usually classified depending on the intensity of the damage which has been suffered.

Stage 1 – When the skin remains intact with some visible changes and redness

Treatments – Keep the affected area clean and dry. Apply moisture barrier cream and reduce the pressure on that particular area by repositioning the body.

Stage 2 – When the skin becomes partially thick and has dermis or epidermis

Treatment – Clean the affected area with saline and small amount of hydrogel application is needed. Also, change the dressing every day. Off load the pressure ulcer area by distributing the weight to other places.

Stage 3 – Excessive thickness with necrosis of hypodermic tissue which might extend to underlying fascia

Treatment – Saline cleansing and hydrogel application. Cover the wound with non-adherent dressing and change regularly. Seek the help of a medical practitioner before the wound worsens.

Stage 4 – Complete thickness with skin loss with extreme tissue damage along with muscle and bone damage

Treatment – As this is the extreme stage of pressure ulcer, it might involve surgical procedure and severe medication depending upon the condition.

Apart from the above-mentioned treatments, there are also many products such as pressure relief mattress and bed pads, anti-bedsore mattress/cushions, etc., available in the market which helps in getting some relief from the pressure ulcers. Also, remember to keep yourself hydrated at all times, as dehydration might lead to rapid worsening of the pressure ulcer.