Pressure Sores
Pressure sores are ulcers that commonly appear in the elderly. But it can occur in those who are on extended bed rest or immobilised for long periods. Pressure sores are also known as bed sores, pressure ulcers, and decubitus ulcers.
Most often, these ulcers only affect the skin. But the more severe types of pressure ulcers affect the skin tissues and bones as well. Pressure sores appear over the course of a few days or, in some cases, a matter of hours. Most pressure sores respond to treatment. But they don’t heal completely.
Causes
Pressure sores take after their name. They are formed due to excessive pressure on a specific part of a person’s body. This excessive pressure often restricts the flow of blood to a specific part of the skin. The following factors contribute in the formation of pressure sores or worsen the condition of existing ones:
Factors That Contribute
Pressure sores don’t occur to everyone. They are often seen in people who exhibit the following conditions:
- Forced to stay in bed due to surgery or illness.
- Confined to a bed or wheelchair and unable to move without help.
- Older people, due to their fragile skin and difficulty moving.
- Obesity, Smoking, and Lack of nutrients.
- Urinary or bowel incontinence.
- Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart or kidney failure, and Parkinson’s.
Symptoms
Pressure sores exhibit different symptoms based on their severity. Irrespective of the severity, it is expected that you consult an expert plastic surgeon in Chennai. Symptoms include:
Signs of Infection
Neglecting a pressure sore not only worsens the condition, it also increases the chances of an infection:
- • The skin reddens or changes colour near the pressure ulcer
- • Pus or green-coloured drainage
- • Fever and unpleasant smell
Vulnerable Areas
The areas where pressure sores will appear depend on whether the person is bedridden or wheelchair-bound. This helps BM Cosmetics find out the right treatment.
Wheelchair-bound patients:
Tailbone, Buttocks, Shoulder blades, Spine, and Back of their arms and legs.
Bedridden patients:
Back or side of their head, Shoulder blades, Hip, Lower back, Tailbone, Heels and ankles, and Area behind the knees.
Stages of Pressure Sores
Pressure sores have 4 stages. Stage 1 and 2 don’t require surgery, but stage 3 and 4 require surgery from the best plastic surgeons in Chennai.
Unstageable Sores
Difficult to find the depth of the sore and level of tissue damage due to Eschar (hard plaque) or Slough (discoloured debris).
Eschar colours: Tan, Brown, Black.
Slough colours: Yellow, Tan, Green, Brown.
Visiting a doctor is required to remove eschar and slough to determine the severity and treat it accordingly.
Why Choose BM Cosmetic?
Expert Diagnosis
- Best plastic surgeons in Chennai for accurate diagnosis.
- Treatment for all 4 stages of pressure sores.
- Specialized removal of eschar and slough debris.
Exceptional Care
- State-of-the-art facility for surgical recovery.
- Optimum choice for all types of aesthetic treatments.
- Best plastic surgery hospital in Tamil Nadu.
Pressure sores are painful and leave a lasting impact. Detect them at the earliest possible time.
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