Bedsore Treatment Options
Of course the number one goal is to prevent bedsores in the first place, but if they have started to appear immdeiate action to prevent the bedsores from worsening is of immediate importance. A patient with a bedsore should be inspected regularly; should bathe or shower every day, using warm water and mild soap; and should avoid cold or dry air. A bedridden patient should be repositioned at least once every one to two hours and a person who uses a wheelchair should shift his weight every 10 or 15 minutes, or be helped to reposition himself at least once an hour. It is important to lift the body up, rather than drag or shift the person side to side. Often the patient's skin is so thin and fragile and can tear and can start a new area of concern. Even slight side movement or rubbing /friction can remove the top layer of skin and expose the sensitive tissue below.
Bed sore treatment may also include the use of prevention devices such as sheepskin pads, special cushions placed on top of a mattress, water-filled mattress and variable-pressure air type mattress that can be individually inflated or deflated to redistribute pressure. Other bed sore treatment options may inclusde the use of pillows or foam wedges around the patient's ankles to prevent irritation and pillows placed under the legs from mid-calf to ankle can raise the heels off the bed.
Bedsore Surgery
Often if the bedsore gets to stage 3, bedsore surgery may be necessary to clean out and close over the open wound. This type of surgery is often called a flap surgery. Flap surgeries on extra large stage bedsores, may require a skin graft to help close the sore and allow the bedsore to slowly heal. Without proper treatment a stage 3 or stage 4 bedsore can quickly lead to:
- Sepsis (bacterial infection in the skin tissue)
- Tissue necrosis leading to gangrene
- Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
- Other life threatening infections and even death
Bedsore - Nursing Home Neglect ? Talk to a Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been the victim of neglect or abuse by a Nursing Home resulting in severe pressure sores, bedsores, septicema, gangrene, sexual assault, rape, infections or their wrongful death, then call and speak to an attorney about your legal rights to a Nursing Home Negligence or Malpractice Lawsuit. Fill out our Nursing Home Lawsuit Form.
