What is a decubitus ulcer?

Decubitus ulcer is a skin lesion that occurs due to excessive friction or direct pressure on part of the body. Decubitus ulcers are also known as beetles and pressure ulcers in people who are bound to the bed or bound to a wheelchair in people who are paralyzed, acute injury, age or morbid obesity. Ulcers most often appear on the buttocks, sides, shoulder blades and knees, although they may occur on any stain of the skin that is subject to constant pressure. Treatment usually involves cleaning and dressing of lesions and moving the body to prevent excessive pressure. Nurses and carers can prevent most of the pressure ulcers by helping their patients regularly change the positions of the body and control places where sores are most likely to occur. Within a few days, the outer layers of the skin can break and resemble a large blister. The ulcer could leak liquid, especially if infitemced. The inner layers of the skin and the basic tissue of muscle, bones and tendons are damaged without treatment.Most decubitus ulcers are painful and easily recognizable, although in patients who are anesthetic due to paralysis or are unable to communicate with carers.

Older people who lack mobility are exposed to the highest risk of developing decubitus ulcers, because skin tissue tends to thin and weaken in old age. Other populations that are threatened by beds include people who are hospitalized for injury or illness, victims of paralysis and excessive obese people. An individual with a diabetes or a vascular disorder can also experience the ulcer of pressure ulcer due to insufficient blood circulation and parts of the body, which are often under pressure.

doctors, nurses or carers who notice decubitus ulcers administer treatment according to the severity of lesions. Most of the time are treated with a thorough cleaning area with fine soap and water, applying antibiotics ointment and bandage dressing. Patient Je modified in its bed or in a wheelchair to prevent excessive pressure on the pain. The doctor may need to remove the damaged tissue from the more serious ulcer decubitus. If the ulcer persists for several days or weeks, surgery may be necessary to cut large parts of the tissue and fix the skin back together.

ulcers decubitus can usually be prevented with careful attention to carer, nurses, doctors and patients themselves. Carers can reduce the likelihood of bed by helping their patients change the body's position several times a day. Softer mattresses, padded rails and back for wheelchair foams can further reduce pressure. In addition, it is important for the patient to maintain nutritional food and practice routine according to their ability to support the functioning of a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of decubitus ulcer.