Caring for Bedridden Individuals: Pressure Ulcers and Moisture Lesion Prevention

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores, are areas of damage to the skin and underlying tissues, typically caused by prolonged pressure, friction, and shearing forces. Moisture lesions—also referred to as incontinence-associated dermatitis or moisture-associated incontinence dermatitis—are caused by the skin's exposure to excessive moisture from urine, feces, sweat, or weeping wounds.

Pressure ulcers occur over anybony areas of the body but oftenoccur on the bottom of thespine, heels, hips and buttocksand they tend to be regular in shape. Moisture lesions can vary in size, colour and shape and often appearas patches of sore skin which tend to occur in skin folds or on and between the buttocks. The skin may blister resulting in skin loss which appears irregular in shape.

Pressure ulcers are caused by two main things:

• Pressure – the weight of the body pressing down on the skin. This happens when a person is immobile for a long period of time i.e. ill and in bed or sitting in a chair or wheelchair without the pressure being relieved.

• Shear – the layers of the skin are forced to slide over one another i.e.when you slide down or are pulled up a bed/chair.

Moisture lesions are caused by prolonged exposure to:

• Incontinence – urine or faeces sitting on the skin

• Sweating

• Weeping wound.

Over time the skin will become saturated and soft and therefore vulnerable to breakdown.

Preventing Pressure Ulcers and Moisture Lesion

Repositioning Program

Regularly changing the position of a bedridden person is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers:

• Frequency: It is generally recommended to change positions every 2-4 hours.
• Technique: Use pillows or wedges to maintain new positions and reduce pressure on high-risk areas.
• Elevation: If possible, elevate the head of the bed no more than 30 degrees to reduce friction.

Navegacare Tip: Set up reminders in Navegacare for position changes. You can customize the frequency according to the doctor's recommendations.

Proper Nutrition and Hydration

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining skin health and preventing pressure ulcers:

• Proteins: Ensure adequate protein intake to maintain skin integrity.
• Hydration: Offer fluids regularly to keep the skin hydrated from within.
• Supplements: Consult with a doctor about the need for nutritional supplements.

Navegacare Tip: You can use the task scheduling feature to set regular reminders for meals and hydration. This will help you maintain a consistent routine and ensure your loved one receives adequate nutrition throughout the day.

Recognizing Signs to Seek for Professional Help

Pressure ulcers:

• Red patches of skin (light skinned people)

• Blush/purple patches of skin (dark skinned people)

• Blisters or damage to the skin

• Patches of hot skin

• Swelling over bony areas.

• Hard areas of skin.

Moisture lesions:

• Cold, wet or clammy skin.

• Superficial skin loss under the breasts, in the groins or between and on the buttocks.

If you observe any of these signs or your loved one complain to have any pain or discomfort then please inform a healthcare professional immediately.

Navegacare Tip: You can use the task scheduling feature to set regular reminders to perform a skin assessment and inform community members about an issue they may have encounterd. This will help you and your community to consistently monitor your loved one's risk.