Caring for a Pressure Ulcer (Bedsore): When You Can Treat it and When You Need to Call a Doctor

Pressure wounds – commonly known as bedsores – are a common concern for caretakers, both in the home and at healthcare venues like hospitals and nursing homes. Pressure wounds affect nearly 2.5 million people each year, and they occur in up to 23 percent of residents at long-term and rehabilitation facilities.

Senior living communities like Topeka Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing takes every precaution to prevent pressure wounds in residents, but our expert staff is fully trained to treat them if they do occur. We wanted to share some tips on how to treat bedsores if they appear in the person you’re giving care to, along with when things are serious enough that a health professional needs to be called for treatment.

Know What You’re Dealing With

Pressure sores appear in generally bony areas of the body (like the buttocks, ankles, hips, and back) and, if treated early enough, should not present much of an issue. Carefully inspect the person regularly for bed sores.

If you notice a red, tender area (Stage I) that either blisters or a sore opens up (Stage II), the pressure ulcer is still treatable in the home. If a deep, sunken hole appears – called a crater – that’s getting into Stage III and IV territory, and a doctor needs to be called. You also need to call a doctor if the wound is emitting a foul odor, has pus coming out of it, or the person has a fever along with the wound.

How to Care for a Stage I or II Pressure Ulcer

The first thing you will want to do when noticing a sore developing is to relieve pressure on the area. There are a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from, so ask your healthcare provider on what the best option is.

You’ll also want to change positions often. A person in a wheelchair should be changing positions every 15 minutes, while people in bed should be moved around every two hours.

Stage I sores can be washed with mild soap and water, then a moisturizer can be applied. For Stage II wounds, a saltwater rinse should be used to remove dead tissue. In either case, do not use hydrogen peroxide.

After the wound is cleaned, talk to your doctor about how to dress the wound. Depending on the size and location, gauze, gel, foam, or film can be used.

You’ll want to keep friction to a minimum during treatment, so avoid sliding to move positions, and you can put a thin layer of powder on bed sheets so the skin doesn’t rub when moved.

In many cases, the best treatment is prevention – inspect the body daily if you or someone you are caring for is in a situation that could be susceptible for bedsores, and be sure to alert a doctor at the first sign of a pressure ulcer.

To learn more about Topeka Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/topeka_center/.