Bedsores are ulcers that occur in any area of the skin as a result of the following reasons:
* Exposure to stress resulting from lying in bed.
*Sitting for a long time due to a certain health condition.
*Wearing a splint for a long time.
Bed sores can also be related to the quality of health care the sufferer receives, especially if:
*The patient who is confined to bed for long periods is not moved.
*The casualty was not positioned correctly.
*Lack of care for the skin and the area of skin exposed to pressure.
Bedsores can be a serious problem for the following groups:
*Frail elderly people.
*Diabetics.
*Those with circulatory problems.
*People who suffer from malnutrition.
Stages of bed sores:
1. The first stage
This is the mildest stage, as the sores of this stage affect the upper layers of the skin.
Symptoms of bed sores, stage one
Symptoms of the first stage include the following:
*Feeling pain.
*Itchy feeling.
*The spot appears different from the surrounding skin.
*Redness of the area. A red area may be noticed on the skin, but if the affected person's skin color is dark, it may be difficult to notice a change in skin color.
It is worth noting that after applying certain pressure to an area that may be suspected to be an ulcer, the spot or ulcer does not return to its normal color after some time, i.e. 10-30 minutes after stopping the pressure, and this may mean that the amount of blood that reaches the area is less than Surrounding areas.
Recovery time from the first stage of bedsores:
The recovery period in this stage is relatively short, as it may disappear in less than two or three days.
2. The second stage
The second stage of bed sore occurs when the sore reaches deeper beneath the surface of the skin.
Symptoms of stage 2 bed sores
The symptoms of the second stage were as follows:
*Chapped skin.
An open wound.
*The appearance of a pimple filled with pus.
*The sore area will be swollen and warm, and may be painful.
Recovery time from the second stage of bed sores:
In the second stage, the recovery period may be prolonged, reaching 3 days to 3 weeks.
3. The third stage
The ulcer reaches its third stage when the ulcers reach the inner layers of the skin, i.e. the fatty tissue.
Symptoms of stage 3 bed sores
The symptoms of this stage were as follows:
*The general appearance of the ulcer resembles a volcanic crater.
*Some signs of infection appear on the ulcer.
The appearance of black color in or around the ulcerated tissue.
Recovery time from the third stage of bed sores:
The recovery period increases in the third stage, as the recovery period for the third stage reaches 3-4 months.
4. The fourth stage
In the fourth stage, the sores are more serious, as they may affect muscle tissue and ligaments.
Symptoms of stage four bed sores
Symptoms of stage 4 ulcers include:
*The ulcer is characterized by being deep and large.
*The skin turns black.
*A form of infection appears, such as red edges.
* Pus coming out of the ulcers.
*High ulcer temperature.
*Seeing the muscles and tendons through the ulcer site.
Recovery time from stage 4 bed sores:
At this stage, the recovery period may be long, as it is possible for you to recover after a minimum of 3 months or for several years at a maximum.
Therapeutic procedures for the stages of bed sores
Procedures for each stage include the following:
1. Treatment procedures for the first stage
The procedures that must be followed in the first stage of bed sores include the following:
*Stop pressure, and change the patient's position every period of time.
*Turn and move the patient at least once every two hours.
*You must move every 15 minutes if you sit for a long time.
* Wash the sore with soap and water and dry it gently.
* Follow a healthy diet rich in proteins, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron supplements, and zinc; Because these elements are important for the skin and complexion.
*Drink plenty of water.
2. Treatment procedures for the second stage
The procedures that must be followed in the second stage of bed sores include the following:
*Repeat the steps mentioned in the first stage.
*Clean the wounds resulting from ulcers with water or water dissolved in salt, and make sure to dry the area gently.
A*Consult a specialist doctor about the possibility of taking a painkiller about 30-60 minutes before cleaning, in case you feel pain when cleaning the sore.
*Make sure to cover the ulcer with a moist bandage at this stage.
*Inform the specialist doctor if you notice symptoms or signs of infection.
3. Treatment procedures for the third stage
Bed sores in the third stage require a lot of care, and you should consult a specialist doctor about removing any dead tissue and taking antibiotics to fight the infection.
4. Treatment procedures for the fourth stage
In the fourth stage, the procedures may lead to surgical intervention by specialist doctors.