How to Prevent Skin Breakdown or Pressure Sores

Skin breakdown, also known as pressure sores or ulcers, can be a serious issue for individuals who are bedridden, elderly, or have limited mobility. These sores, which often occur when pressure is applied to the skin for prolonged periods, can lead to pain, infection, and complications. Fortunately, with proper care and attention, pressure sores can be prevented or managed. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips on preventing skin breakdown, common causes, and how to treat and manage pressure sores.

How to Prevent Skin Breakdown in Bedridden Patients

If you’re caring for someone who spends most of their time in bed, preventing skin breakdown is crucial. Prolonged pressure on the skin, particularly in areas where bones are close to the surface (like the heels, tailbone, or elbows), can reduce blood flow and cause the skin to break down. To avoid this, it’s important to regularly reposition the person in bed to relieve pressure.

Repositioning every two hours is a good rule of thumb. Make sure to change their position from lying on their back to their side or stomach, depending on comfort and mobility. When repositioning, it’s essential to use soft cushioning or pillows to reduce the pressure on bony areas. This simple act can significantly reduce the risk of pressure sores, ensuring the skin remains healthy.

For bedridden patients, using high-quality, pressure-relieving mattresses or pads can also help distribute pressure more evenly. SPC quilted underpads, for instance, offer absorbency and support, providing both skin protection and comfort. These products are essential when caring for a loved one overnight, ensuring that the patient’s skin remains safe while maintaining hygiene.

Pressure Sore Prevention Tips for Elderly Individuals

Elderly individuals are particularly at risk for skin breakdown due to thinner skin and reduced circulation. In addition to repositioning regularly, you should focus on proper nutrition and hydration. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals helps support skin health and promotes healing. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to dry, fragile skin, making it more vulnerable to sores.

Good hygiene also plays an important role in preventing skin breakdown. Clean, dry skin is essential, especially for elderly individuals with incontinence. Incontinence products like SPC bladder control products or SPC reusable underwear can help absorb moisture and keep skin dry. These products are gentle on the skin and help reduce the risk of irritation and sores caused by prolonged exposure to wetness.

Lastly, ensure that the person’s skin is regularly inspected for early signs of pressure sores. Look for redness, warmth, or tenderness, particularly in high-risk areas like the heels, hips, and elbows. Catching potential sores early can prevent them from progressing into more serious ulcers.

Best Ways to Treat Pressure Sores at Home

If a pressure sore does occur, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent it from worsening. The first step is to relieve pressure from the affected area. Use soft pillows, foam cushions, or specialized pads to distribute weight away from the sore. Ensure that the person is frequently repositioned to reduce pressure on the affected area.

At home, treatment for pressure sores involves cleaning the wound with mild soap and water, applying appropriate dressings, and preventing infection. Depending on the severity of the sore, you might need to consult a healthcare professional for a treatment plan. For deeper sores, specialized wound care products might be required, such as medicated creams or hydrocolloid dressings, which help promote healing.

Also, when managing pressure sores, continue using incontinence products to avoid moisture buildup, which could complicate the healing process. SPC incontinence medical supplies, such as adult diapers and underpads, offer high absorption and prevent moisture from making the wound worse.

How to Care for Pressure Sores and Skin Breakdown

Caring for skin breakdown involves more than just treating the wound itself. It requires a comprehensive approach, including prevention, daily monitoring, and proper treatment. Regular repositioning remains one of the most effective ways to manage skin health. Ensure that you are also maintaining good nutrition, hydration, and hygiene to support the body’s healing processes.

Wound care should be done carefully. After cleaning the wound, cover it with a sterile dressing to protect it from dirt and bacteria. It's essential to follow medical advice regarding the type of dressing or ointment to use. In severe cases, where the pressure sore doesn’t show signs of improvement, seeking medical attention is necessary.

For long-term care, it's also vital to monitor for any new pressure sores. Early intervention can make a big difference in preventing further complications.

Skin Breakdown Prevention in Long-Term Care Facilities

In long-term care facilities, preventing pressure sores is part of a comprehensive care plan. Caregivers in these settings should ensure regular repositioning, offer nutritional support, and provide the right incontinence products to manage moisture effectively. A key aspect of prevention involves educating staff about pressure sore risk factors and the importance of skin assessments.

Facilities can also benefit from using specialized beds and mattresses designed to reduce pressure and provide comfort. For patients who are bedridden or spend most of their time sitting, using foam or air mattresses, in combination with absorbent products like SPC underpads, can significantly lower the risk of developing pressure sores.

Reducing Pressure Sores with Incontinence Supplies

Incontinence supplies play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of skin breakdown. Moisture is a major factor that contributes to pressure sores, so it’s essential to keep skin dry and free from irritants. Using high-quality products like SPC incontinence medical supplies can help keep skin healthy. SPC quilted underpads 30 x 36, for instance, provide superior liquid absorption and offer protection during sleep. These supplies are essential for caregivers managing long-term care patients, as they reduce the frequency of skin irritation and keep the skin dry throughout the day and night.

These products are designed to be both absorbent and skin-friendly, helping maintain comfort and hygiene. When caregivers choose the right incontinence supplies, such as SPC bladder control products, they can manage skin care proactively, preventing the onset of pressure sores.

Skin Care Routine to Prevent Pressure Ulcers

A consistent skin care routine is key to preventing pressure ulcers. Start by checking the skin daily, paying close attention to areas of high pressure. Clean the skin regularly with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals that could dry out the skin. Apply a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated but ensure that it doesn’t remain wet for too long.

When possible, give the person time out of bed or the wheelchair. Whether it’s sitting in a recliner or doing some light movements, this helps prevent the skin from becoming vulnerable to pressure sores. Using SPC reusable underwear and incontinence pads can also help keep the skin dry and prevent irritation during these periods.

Taking small steps each day to care for the skin, using the right products, and keeping up with repositioning can make a huge difference in preventing skin breakdown.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.