How to combat bedsores

Pressure ulcer or pressure sores commonly known as bedsores are caused due to prolonged pressure on the skin. The condition often occurs to bedridden patients with paralysis, cerebral stroke and patients who had gone through surgery or other diseases.

Bedsores cause pains, unease and to some extent tremendous sufferings to the patient.

It generally infects the areas like elbow, back side of shoulder, hip, heels and tailbone.

Bedsores develop as the patient’s body does not move or stay active due to certain medical conditions that prevent natural blood and oxygen flow.

Following are some of the measures that the persons with bedsores can follow both at home or in hospital:

Shift or reposition the patient: The patient has to be repositioned frequently. It will reduce the pressure at one place constantly.

Keep skin clean: Try to maintain hygiene and dryness of the skin. Clean the patient’s skin regularly with lukewarm water and mild soap. Soak the water with soft towel after cleansing. Don’t rub hard.

Use pillow: Put a cushion between the legs or arms of the patient.

Do some exercises: Try some specific exercise to keep the body active. For instance, lift the hip and hold it for 10 seconds. Do it for several times.

*SM Farhan Bin Hossain is a clinical occupational therapist. This piece, originaly published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Farjana Liakat