Description and Possible Medical Problems
One of the biggest concerns of doctors who treat a large number of elderly patients is preventing the development of bedsores. The first sign of a bedsore is usually a break in the skin, so if an elderly relative is confined to bed, it’s important that any break in the skin—especially on the buttocks or heels—receive medical attention. A bedsore can develop due to poor nutrition or immobility. If an area has constant friction and pressure on it—in the case of a person who is bedridden—the skin can become frail. The skin can then quickly break down and the sore can spread down to the bone and cause a bone infection called osteomyelitis. The infection can also spread into the bloodstream and cause a bloodborne infection of bacteria known as septicemia.
Treatment
For an existing bedsore, there are a variety of treatments. The most important treatment is excellent nursing care. An alert nurse will help keep pressure off the area; a special mattress made of foam or sheepskin or a special airflow bed can also help.
Once a bedsore develops, the area must be kept impeccably clean with saline solution and sterile packing materials. Bedsore care will also depend on the general health of the patient.
If the bedsore has caused an infection, your elderly relative will need to receive intravenous antibiotic therapy. If the bedsore contains areas of dead skin, the doctor will need to remove the dead skin surgically. This procedure, which is not painful, is called a debridment.
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