Stage 1 pressure sore treatment often involves a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that the pressure sore both heals and does not deteriorate and become more serious. Treatment at this stage lessens healing time and can reduce the risk of the recurrence of pressure ulcers in the future.
At stage or grade 1, pressure sores treatment will include drawing up an appropriate repositioning timetable. The main cause of pressure sores is sitting or lying in one position over an extended period of time and therefore restricting blood flow and increasing moisture or friction in the area. Repositioning the body regularly allows pressure to be more evenly distributed and friction to be lessened.
The patient may also be assessed for more appropriate cushions or mattresses that can relieve pressure and improve airflow, in order to keep the affected areas free of the moisture that may encourage the growth of bacteria.
Additionally, the patient should undergo an in-depth assessment of their general health and wellbeing. Such consultations can take place online today. Treatment can also be ordered online. From the numerous pain medications to the various STD treatments online, it is easier than ever before to get the assistance required.
This will include aspects such as personal care needs, toileting and nutrition. If the individual is dehydrated, this will make it harder for your skin to cope with pressure and friction and increase the risk of more severe ulcers.
Dressings may be applied to pressure sores that are showing early signs of moving to stage two. This type of wound care will ensure that the risk of the skin breaking down and infection being introduced to the wound is limited. Dressings may also encourage healing of the affected skin and may include the use of lotions or ointments to improve skin health.
Risks Associated With Grade 2 Sores
Treatment for pressure ulcer sores, once they reach grade 2, becomes more complex. The wound begins to take on its ulcerated form and the risk of complications is increased. Treatment at this stage needs to happen quickly and address a number of care issues simultaneously.
A grade 2 pressure ulcer is defined as one that has deteriorated to the point that the outer surface of the skin has experienced some damage. This damage may also be present in the deeper layers, but is not consistent throughout the layers or yet affecting the whole area. At this stage, the damage is visible and the area presents as an open sore or ulcer.
Wound care is of paramount importance at this point to prevent further deterioration and the possible infection by bacteria in the wound. Careful covering of the wound with special dressings designed to draw out moisture and any pus may be applied, alongside the use of healing ointments. If there is evidence of dead skin, then debridement can be used to stop this from affecting healthy skin in the surrounding area. The wound will be kept clean and dry, and the patient will undergo an assessment to minimise the risk of further complications.
Pressure sores treatment include careful examination of the rest of the body to look for other potentially problematic ulcers or sores; a timetable for turning or repositioning the patient; and a health and lifestyle assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to look for any lifestyle changes that can be made to prevent deterioration.
Pressure Ulcer Stage 3 Treatment Options
Pressure ulcer stage 3 treatment options are decided on based on a number of factors, including the wellbeing of the patient and the length of time that the pressure ulcer has been present. Treatment needs to minimise the possibility of the ulcer moving onto the next stage and becoming potentially life-threatening.
A grade, or stage, 3 pressure sore appears as an open or ulcerated wound. There is severe skin loss throughout the thickness of the skin and damage to the surrounding tissue. At this grade, there is no damage to the bone or muscle, but action is required to stop this from occurring. Any signs of infection need to be dealt with swiftly through the use of antibiotics and, where necessary, through debridement. This will remove dead skin and tissue, allowing the healthy cells to grow and improving blood flow in the area.
One of the debridement pressure sores treatment options is larval therapy. This is preferred to surgical methods because it is relatively painless and carries fewer associated risks. Wound care will also involve the regular cleansing of the wound and changing of the dressing. Progress will be monitored carefully to ensure that the pressure ulcer does not develop into a later stage.
Treating The Most Severe Ulcers
Treatment of stage 4 pressure ulcer needs to be swift and decisive if life-threatening complications are to be avoided. At this grade, ulcers pose a threat to future limb mobility and life too. The correct treatments need to reduce this possibility and promote a good rate of healing.
Grade 4 pressure ulcers are classified as such once there is severe damage to skin and tissue, including necrosis. There may also be damage to underlying muscle and bone, as well as infection. At this stage, the patient is at risk of developing life-threatening bacterial infections that can lead to gangrene, blood poisoning and even bacterial meningitis. Pressure sores treatment looks to avoid these eventualities by stopping the spread of infection, promoting healthy cell growth and reducing the risk of prolonged recovery.
TNP, or Topical Negative Pressure Therapy, may be used to draw infectious materials and moisture away from the wound. This decreases the risk of the infection spreading and accelerates healing. Where there is skin necrosis, debridement will be introduced to remove dead skin and tissue. The type of debridement used will depend on the scale of the necrotic tissue and in very severe cases, surgical removal may be required.
BRH Therapy, using low-frequency ultrasound and modulated electro stimulation, increases blood flow to the affected area and improves circulation to encourage new cell growth of healthy tissue. This treatment may be used in conjunction with other forms of wound care.