Proper bed sore management depends on the severity of the lesion as well as the mobility of the person who is affected by the bed sore. Issues to be considered include cleanliness, pain management, and repositioning of the patient. Pads or cushions may be used to help relieve the pressure caused by remaining in one position for prolonged periods of time. Antibiotics, dietary changes, and surgical intervention may be useful forms of bed sore management in some situations. Individualized questions or concerns about managing bed sores in a specific situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Cleanliness is one of the most important steps in bed sore management. Regular soap and water can be used to clean lesions that are in the early stages of development. If an open sore has developed, a saline solution may be recommended. This solution is used to irrigate the wound and clean out dead skin particles and other materials. In most cases, open wounds are covered with a sterile dressing following the irrigation process.
Pain management may become an issue if the bed sore becomes ulcerated or infected. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be helpful for discomfort caused by repositioning, dressing changes, or procedures used to remove dead skin from the wound. In some cases, topical pain relievers may be applied to the lesion for more rapid pain relief.
Bed sores, also known as pressure sores, are caused by remaining in one position for prolonged periods of time. For this reason, bed sore management includes frequent repositioning so that some of the pressure is relieved. If the patient is unable to change positions, a caregiver will need to carefully reposition the patient on a schedule provided by the supervising physician. Soft padding or cushions may also be used to help relieve some of the pressure on the affected area.
Dietary changes such as increased fluid intake or the addition of healthier foods or nutritional supplements may be recommended in an effort to increase the natural healing abilities of the skin. If the lesion becomes infected, a combination of oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed. In the most severe cases, surgical intervention may be a necessary part of bed sore management. Surgical procedures may include the removal of damaged tissue, muscle grafts, or cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of the affected area.