what is the suggested treatment to heal pressure sores

Dear Bobz,

Is it you that has the pressure sores? Where are they located? What are the other medical problems? If this is not you, how old is the patient? Is the patient bedbound? I am trying to determine what contributed to pressure sores. How many are there and how big? Can you describe them?

Thank you, Paula

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yes it is me. left butt cheeck. i'm a Quadraplegic. i'm bedbound because i don't want to make it worse. there is one in stage one. size of a dime at this time. light pink right now, i can send a pic if needed.

Hi Bobz,

Thanks for replying. I won't need a pic, I got the idea.

Staying off of it if you can, and letting it be exposed to the air so it can dry up will help. But you need your position shifted every 2 hours so that you do not develop another sore. Have someone massage the area GENTLY around the sore to increase the circulation to the area. Make sure it stays clean with mild soap and water.

When up in your chair, make sure to use the gel pad or thick foam pad, and try and shift your weight every 15 minutes, if you can. You probably already have a special bed and mattress that will absorb pressure. If not, see if you qualify for one of the alternating beds that can rock your body and shift the pressure off of your bony spots.

Increase your protein intake to aid healing, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Vitamin C may aid healing too. Too much, however, may cause diarrhea.

Are you in a place to request a visit by a skin care-wound nurse specialist? A nurse who is an ostomy specialist will work too. She can assess your wound and skin and make other recommendations that can help.

I will give some links that might help:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedsores/DS00570/DSECTION=8

http://www.ohiohealth.com/BODYMAYO.CFM?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&ref=1374

Stage II ulcers are usually treated with hydrocolloids, or transparent semipermeable dressings that retain moisture and encourage skin cell growth. Your home health or nursing (RN) help should know how to obtain these and apply them correctly.

My colleague, Judi has made the following recommendation:
"There's also a new product called Xenaderm that is used instead of a hydroolloid on stage 1 and stage 2 - it's been working well for us"

Make sure you doctor is aware of this sore so that he or she can be on top of overseeing your healing.

I hope this helps, and let me know if I can be of further assistance. Thanks for writing JA and take care, Paula

Edited by PaulaNP on March 9 2007 at 12:21am

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