Bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers are  painful, debilitating and unnecessary. Use this guide to learn about bed sores and their prevention!

Bed sores ( Pressure sores and decubitus ulcers) can develop very quickly. They tend to develop when a patient is confined to a bed or chair, is unable to move, has lost bowel or bladder control, has poor nutrition, or has lowered mental awareness. Fortunately, the risk of developing bed sores can be reduced significantly using the following care procedures.

1. Take care of the skin:

Inspect the skin daily. Pay special attention to red areas and pressure points. Minimize moisture contact with the skin.  Medical sheepskins reduce pressure and help to keep the skin dry.

2. Protect the skin from injury:

 Avoid massaging skin over bony areas. Change body position at least every 2 hours- more frequently in a chair. Reduce friction ( rubbing) by lifting rather than dragging. Avoid use of donut shape cushions. These can increase the risk of getting pressure ulcers by reducing blood flow. If the patient is confined to bed, reduce pressure points with Medical Sheepskins. The head of the bed should be raised as little as possible. When the head of the bed is raised above 30 degrees, the skin may slide over the bed surface, damaging skin and small blood vessels. Pillows or wedges should be used to keep knees and ankles from touching each other. Patients should avoid lying directly on the hip bone when lying on their side. Pillows and Medical Sheepskin may help. If the patient is completely immobile, pillows should be put under their legs from mid-calf to ankle to keep heels off the bed. Never place pillows under the knees. This cuts off circulation. Use Medical Sheepskins to protect the skin from injury.

3. Eat well:

Eat a balance diet. Proteins and calories are very important for healthy skin. Healthy skin is less liable to be damaged.

4. Improve the patients ability to move.

A rehabilitation program can help some persons gain movement and independence. The patient can help to prevent most pressure ulcers.

Bed Sores ( also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure sores ) develop through 4 stages. Notify your medical practitioner and nursing staff if you notice any of the following:

Stage 1.  You will notice redness of the intact skin. The skin is unbroken, but inflamed and may be painful and warm to the touch. You might also notice the skin's texture may be spongy or firm.

Stage 2: Here you will see the first sign of skin breakdown and partial skin loss. It will look like an abrasion, blister or shallow crater. The outer layer of the skin is broken, red and painful. Surrounding tissue may be pale, red or swollen.

Stages 3 and 4 result in ulcer production. The skin has broken down and there is extensive destruction or damage to the underlying muscle, bone or supporting structures.

Ulcers are extremely difficult to heal and may take many months for complete repair. Anything that can prevent the development of an ulcer should be considered seriously.  

Bed Sores ( Decubitus ulcers or pressure sores )  are unnecessary and can be prevented. The best method of prevention is to provide an environment for the patient that does not foster the development of bedsores. This environment can be produced by HiTemp UR Medical Sheepskins. These specially selected, emerald green colour Medical Sheepskins, add comfort and give an improved feeling of well-being to those confined to a bed or wheelchair. 

When a person lies directly on HiTemp UR Medical Sheepskin, there are 3 continuous bed sore ( decubitus ulcer ) prevention effects:

1. Pressure reduction at the point of body contact with the sheepskin.

2. Reduction of friction and shearing forces which rub and tear the skin.

3. Prevention of the build-up of surface moisture on the skin.

Buy  HiTemp UR Medical Sheepskins before it is too late to prevent bed sores. Use them to improve the comfort and well-being of those confined to a bed or wheelchair. 

Clean, condition and disinfect all sheepskins and wool products with:  Woolskin..the Sheepskin Shampoo & Conditioner.