Bed sores are also sometimes referred to as pressure sores because they tend to form where a part of the skin comes in contact with the bed.
They are not only found on the bed, they can also form if a person is in the same position for long periods, such as sitting in an armchair.
If you have come across bed sores then most likely they will have been on a client with little or no mobility.
You will notice the start of a bed sore when an area of skin such as the heel, becomes red and stays red. If you see this then you should think that this could be the start of a bed sore.
Because it is so difficult to heal a bed sore, particularly in a person with reduced mobility, prevention really is far better than the cure. Avoidance, if possible, is the route with them.
Why do bed sores happen?
Our own ‘natural padding’ namely muscles and fat, delay and prevent bedsores in most healthy and active people. We turn over in bed and sleep on the other side or even on our back and stomach.
Often a person who has poor mobility cannot roll over and may lie in one position for most of the night. Older skin, which tears easily at the best of times, is under pressure and before you know it, a bed sore has developed.
Where are they found?
The most common places for bed sores to start is at the base of the spine, elbows, ankles, and heels. Sometimes you nay find them on the shoulders.
The best time to check your client for bed sores is when they are bathing or showering. Be tactful because you will need to actually look at areas of the body, but with an explanation, most clients will understand your concern.
What to do if I find one?
If you discover an open wound on any of the pressure points you need to contact the doctor or the district nurse right away.
Bed sores are incredibly difficult to heal and the sooner you start the treatment the better for your client.
Once the skin has broken it will need daily care to heal again. Normally the district nurse will visit to do this and to check the progress.
Can they be prevented?
To a certain extent bed sores can be prevented. Making use of extra soft fabrics such as sheepskin placed under pressure areas will help to alleviate bed sores.
Placing extra pillows under the knees so that the heels do not rest the entire night on the mattress may delay the start of a sore.
If your client is bedridden you will need to pay particular attention to pressure points and roll them over frequently.
If your client can move around then encourage them to move to another chair during the day. You should also encourage them to sit on a padded cushion or even a blow-up pillow which has been designed to relieve pressure.
Final thoughts
It is not a good idea to try and treat a bed sore yourself. The district nurse is the person who knows whether the sore is infected and how to treat it.
A soon as you notice a bed sore developing, or find a red area that does not change, it is time to call the district nurse or the doctor.
You may be given a barrier cream to apply to the sore, although in an open sore the district nurse will most likely come to change the dressing herself and check the healing.
With a bed sore, time is of the essence. The longer a bed sore is left untreated, the worse it will become, and the more uncomfortable your client will be.
Be aware of how long your client stays in one position as this will give you a good idea of where to look and how to prevent bed sores.
Tags:
© 2025 EJOBBOARD LTD. All Rights Reserved.