Using Sudocrem^® to treat pressure sores

Pressure sores, or bed-sores, are one of the first and most troublesome complications of prolonged immobility. For the bed-ridden (or chair-bound) elderly or disabled person, pressure sores can cause a significant problem and most health professionals would agree that the prevention of bed-sores is probably the most important factor in nursing patients who are confined for prolonged periods in bed.

The first sign of a potential problem is usually a reddening of the skin accompanied by soreness or tenderness at the site. Pressure sores occur at weight-bearing sites such as the ‘tail’ at the bottom of the back (sacrum), the hips, heels, shoulder blades, elbows and ankles.

Pressure sores develop when the weight of the body persistently presses down on these vulnerable sites; constant downwards pressure and friction can damage delicate skin and may lead to its breakdown, leading to the formation of a sore.

The good news is that you can take steps to help prevent these conditions by doing the following:

-          keep skin clean and dry

-          keep it moisturised and protected

-          minimise immobility

-          minimise pressure and friction.

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