Stages and care methods of bedsores (prevention of bed sores)

What are bedsores and how are they formed?

Bedsores generally refer to pressure sores. Bedsores are also called pressure ulcers or bedsores. They are caused by long-term pressure on local tissues, which leads to continuous ischemia, hypoxia, and malnutrition, resulting in tissue ulceration and necrosis. Skin pressure sores are a common problem in rehabilitation treatment and nursing.

Since patients with bedsores are bedridden or have paraplegia or hemiplegia, the superposition of the primary disease and complications leads to a prolonged wound healing cycle, and may even deteriorate repeatedly.

Traditional bedsore staging

1. Congestion and ruddy stage (erythema stage)

2. Inflammatory infiltration stage (blister stage)

3. Ulcer stage

4. Deep ulcer stage (cavitation stage)

As the severity of the wound increases, the course of the disease is also prolonged. If the wound is not properly cared for or not treated promptly and effectively, it may eventually touch the periosteum and cause multiple serious infections.

Congestion and ruddy stage (erythema stage)

Due to insufficient blood supply to the local skin and lack of oxygen in the surrounding tissues, the arterioles dilate reactively, and the compressed part shows local congestion and erythema on the skin. The tolerance of the subcutaneous tissue is weaker than that of the epidermis. Although the skin has not been broken at this time, the subcutaneous tissue and microvessels have been damaged.

Nursing points: During the erythema stage, the pressure should be relieved in time to prevent the continued deterioration of the pressure sore. Various preventive measures should be taken to vacate the area of the bedsore to avoid secondary pressure deterioration. For example, for the buttocks, the patient should rest in a side-lying position and use a triangular pillow to relieve the pressure. If the patient cannot lie on his side, soft clothes should be placed on the front and back of the buttocks to prevent the wound from being directly in contact with the mattress. While preventing pressure, attention should also be paid to the repair of the erythema of the pressure sore. Use bedsore ointment that can penetrate the subcutaneous tissue. After the skin absorbs the ointment, the damaged subcutaneous tissue and capillaries are repaired from deep layers.

Inflammatory infiltration stage (blister stage)

Due to the damage of tissue compression, the inflammatory exudate cannot be discharged normally, resulting in congested blisters, accompanied by swelling of the subcutaneous tissue, and the skin color gradually deepens.

Nursing points: During the blister stage, the skin should be protected and decompression and pressure prevention measures should be strengthened. Small blisters can be directly repaired by applying bedsore cream. Large blisters can be treated by using a sterile syringe to extract the liquid in the blister, applying bedsore cream, and then bandaging with gauze.

Ulcer stage

Venous blood return is severely obstructed, local congestion leads to thrombosis, tissue ischemia and hypoxia. In mild cases, superficial tissue infection, pus outflow, ulcer formation, and severe cases of black necrotic tissue, increased purulent secretions, and odor. The infection spreads to the surrounding and deep parts, reaching the bones, and even causing sepsis.

Nursing tips: In addition to systemic and local nursing measures, according to the wound condition, debridement and exfoliation treatment and ointment for muscle regeneration and repair should be carried out, wound pressure should be relieved, the wound surface should be kept clean, bedsore medicine should be applied to promote muscle regeneration, and gauze bandage should be applied to create a closed and moist healing environment for the wound, which is conducive to faster growth of granulation tissue.

Deep ulcer stage (cavity, subcutaneous cavity, sinus)

Due to the necrotic tissue digging downward or around, the ulcer has entered the subcutaneous layer, and the depth can reach the muscle layer and bone surface, forming a cavity, subcutaneous cavity or sinus, accompanied by severe infection and even a foul smell. 

Nursing points: For pressure sores at this stage, the previous care omissions and wrong methods should be corrected immediately, and the patient should be turned over and changed positions frequently to avoid further pressure. At the same time, the wound should be cleaned and decontaminated immediately. In special cases, such as small wounds with large internal space, or sinus-type pressure sores, surgical methods should be used to open the wound, and then the wound should be repaired with medicine. In the deep ulcer stage, systemic symptoms should also be paid attention to, such as fever, phlegm, asthma, pain, etc., which need to be actively responded to and treated. The course of this stage is relatively long, generally more than six months, and it is necessary to patiently do nursing work such as turning over and changing positions and nutritious meals.

Silicone Foam dressings are generally soft foam bandages for wound care,  it has good compliance, and do not adhere to wounds. Its main function is to absorb exudate and maintain a moist healing environment, which has a significant effect on promoting the healing of bedsores.

Huawei Silcone foam wound dressing is a new type of material made of medical polyurethane material through the latest foaming process, mainly composed of a five-layer structure the porous silicone gel wound contact surface, a highly absorbent foam layer, anti-backflow layer, highly absorbent reservior and waterproof and breathable PU film layer, it's the best foam bandages for wound care.

· Moist healing: The five-layer structure provides dynamic exudate treatment and a moist wound healing environment, which promotes rapid wound healing.

· Breathable and skin-friendly: The porous structure of the soft foam facilitates exudate conduction, has a large absorption capacity for liquid, and can absorb exudate.

.     Soft wound inspection: The material is soft, comfortable, non-sticky to hair, and does not damage the new epithelium and granulation. The wound contact layer can be removed and re-attached after observing the wound without losing stickiness.

· Economical: Silicone foam dressings can be used for up to 7 days, which is much higher than traditional wound care dressings and has a higher cost-effectiveness.

· Painless dressing change: Suitable for sensitive people, children, tumor patients and chronic non-healing wounds. The mild stickiness can reduce wound damage and pain caused by.

· Personalized design: complete specifications and various styles, which can be customized according to customer needs, providing more choices for clinical use.

Scope of application

1. Various acute and chronic wounds, especially wounds with a lot of exudate

2. Prevention and care for various pressure sores, diabetic foot, etc.

3. Medium to high exudative wounds

4. Care for wounds and skin around intubation after tracheotomy (tracheotomy type)