The following steps for prevention are based on research, professional judgment, and practice. These steps can also keep pressure ulcers from getting worse. Some steps apply to all prevention efforts; others apply only in specific conditions. It may help to talk to a nurse or doctor about which steps are right for you.
Step #1 - Take care of your skin
Your skin should be inspected at least once a day. Pay special attention to any reddened areas that remain after you have changed positions and the pressure has been relieved. This inspection can be done by yourself or your caregiver. A mirror can help when looking at hard-to-see areas. Pay special attention to pressure points shown on page 2. The goal is to find and correct problems before pressure ulcers form.
Your skin should be cleaned as soon as it is soiled. A soft cloth or sponge should be used to reduce injury to skin.
Take a bath when needed for comfort or cleanliness. If a daily bath or shower is preferred or necessary, additional measures should be taken to minimize irritation and prevent dry skin. When bathing or showering, warm (not hot) water and a mild soap should be used.
To prevent dry skin:
- Use creams or oils on your skin.
- Avoid cold or dry air.
Minimize moisture from urine or stool, perspiration, or wound drainage. Often urine leaks can be treated. To obtain a copy of Managing Urinary Incontinence: A Patient's Guide, call 1-800-358-9295 or write to the AHCPR Publications Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907.
When moisture cannot be controlled:
- Pads or briefs that absorb urine and have a quick drying surface that keeps moisture away from the skin should be used.
- A cream or ointment to protect skin from urine, stool, or wound drainage may be helpful.
If you are confined to bed:
- A special mattress that contains foam, air, gel, or water helps to prevent pressure ulcers. The cost and effectiveness of these products vary greatly. Talk to your health care provider about the best mattress for you.
- The head of the bed should be raised as little and for as short a time as possible if consistent with medical conditions and other restrictions. When the head of the bed is raised more than 30 degrees, your skin may slide over the bed surface, damaging skin and tiny blood vessels.
- Pillows or wedges should be used to keep knees or ankles from touching each other.
- Avoid lying directly on your hip bone (trochanter) when lying on your side. Also, a position that spreads weight and pressure more evenly should be chosen -- pillows may also help.
- If you are completely immobile, pillows should be put under your legs from midcalf to ankle to keep heels off the bed. Never place pillows behind the knee.
If you are in a chair or wheelchair:
- Foam, gel, or air cushions should be used to relieve pressure. Ask your health care provider which is best for you. Avoid donut-shape cushions because they reduce blood flow and cause tissue to swell, which can increase your risk of getting a pressure ulcer.
- Avoid sitting without moving or being moved.
- Good posture and comfort are important.
Eat well
Eat a balanced diet. Protein and calories are very important. Healthy skin is less likely to be damaged.
If you are unable to eat a normal diet, talk to your health care provider about nutritional supplements that may be desirable.
Improve your ability to move
A rehabilitation program can help some persons regain movement and independence.
Prevention Steps #2
Be Active in Your Care
Care by Risk Factors
If you have any questions or comments on senior health nutrition, fitness, etc., go to the Senior Health Forum where we are talking about the following:
The information contained in these pages
is for educational / reference use only.
Sources:
