Bed sores are  painful, debilitating and unnecessary. Use this guide to learn about bed sores and their prevention! Bed sores ( Pressure sores or decubitus ulcers) may develop when a person is confined to a bed or chair, being unable to move, loss of bowel or bladder control, poor nutrition, and lowered mental awareness. Fortunately, the risk of developing bed sores can be reduced significantly using the following care procedures - 95% of all bed sores are preventable.

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. Prevent dry 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 a Medical Sheepskin. The head of the bed should be raised as little as possible. When the head of the bed is raised above 30 degrees, the body 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 will 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 a Medical Sheepskin 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 break down.

4. Improve the patients ability to move.

A rehabilitation program can help some to improve movement and independence. 

Bed Sores ( also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure sores ) usually 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 is unusual and 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 formation. The skin is lost with extensive destruction or damage to the underlying muscle, bone or supporting tissues.

Ulcers are extremely difficult to heal and anything that can prevent the development of an ulcer should be considered seriously.  

As you can see from the above , bed sores are ugly, painful and debilitating. Bed Sores are unnecessary and can be prevented. It is much easier and cheaper to prevent than try to heal a bed sore. 

The best prevention practice is to provide an environment for the patient that does not foster the development of bedsores. That prevention environment is produced by HiTemp Urine Resistant Medical Sheepskins. These Australian Merino sheepskins reduce pressure and friction and absorb moisture. Medical green coloured Australian Medical Sheepskins ( Australian Standard AS4480-1, 1998), add comfort and improved well being  to those confined to a bed or wheelchair. 

HiTemp UR Medical Sheepskins produce 3 continuous bed sore 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 Urine Resistant Medical Sheepskins for those people who are confined to a bed or wheelchair. These sheepskins and other bed sore prevention products can be purchased from our secure on-line- click Store or by calling 1- 800- 463- 1985.  

Wash and disinfect all sheepskin and wool products with:  Woolskin..the Sheepskin Shampoo & Woolwash