Pressure ulcers in the elderly

It is a usual health issue, especially among the bedridden elderly and people who are suffering from chronic illness. Even though 70% of ulcers happen to people who are above 65 years, it can also occur to young people who have neurologic impairment or severe illness. The treatment includes control of infections, elimination of necrotic tissue and continuation of moist surrounding for healing of the wound.

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Symptoms

The initial symptoms of pressure ulcers can be discomfort or changes in the color and temperature of the skin. It can be seen on any portion of your skin which has continuous touch with things like bed or wheelchair.

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There are other initial symptoms that include:

• Redness and swelling of skin
• Skin becomes either warm or cold
• Skin becomes darker and when pressed doesn’t turn white
• Pain and itching

The critical pressure sore symptoms can be:

• Open and crater-like wound
• There is severe pain and injury on the muscles, tendons and bones.
• Burning sensations

If you see these signs and symptoms in yourself or your loved ones above 60 years, then you need to get in touch with your doctor immediately.

Risk factors

Your skin turns thinner and more sensitive to get damage, as you grow older. It can also happen because of the reasons mentioned below:

• Inactivity: There is continuous pressure on the skin due to bad health, damage in the spinal cord or any other reasons. This can develop pressure ulcers.
• Malnutrition: Poor diet is one of the reasons to develop ulcers. When you include healthy nutrition and balanced diet, then the chances of ulcer become lower.
• Age: People may be at great risk as they grow older. As infants are not able to change their position by themselves, in the same way, elders who have certain health issues, also may not be able to change their positions. It may lead to the problem of pressure ulcers.

Treatment

Treatment of pressure ulcers may involve reducing pressure, sanitizing wound, usage of suitable dressings and antibiotics, and consuming healthy and balanced diet.

• Reducing pressure: You should not give pressure to certain part of your skin. You need to change your position every 10-15 minutes, if you are on wheelchair or in bed. You can take help of pillows or any other support to make you comfortable.
• Wound cleansing: You can take doctor’s advice to clean the wound with mild soap and water. Your doctor may also recommend cleaning with a saline rinse. You need to ensure that in order to dry it, you tap the area instead of rubbing it.
• Dressing: You can ask your doctor to cover the wound with a particular dressing or bandage.
• Eat balanced diet: You need to eat nutritious food and take enough sleep to assist your body to cure. Healthy nutrition is important to heal any kind of wound or illness.

 Prevention

The development of pressure ulcers can be prevented by regularly repositioning yourself after sometimes. It will prevent stress on particular part of the body. Few tips to prevent this include-

• Take good care of your skin
• Manage stress
• Frequently move or reposition your body
• Maintain healthy diet and fluid intake
• Exercise daily

Conclusion

Pressure ulcers can lead to chronic co-morbid diseases. You should always get in touch with your doctor if you see any kind of blisters or an open wound on your skin at an old age.