How to prevent bed sores in bedridden patients

Bed sores (pressure ulcers) form when constant pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin, usually over bony areas. Patients who stay in bed or a wheelchair for long periods are most at risk.

Daily habits that help

• Change position regularly. Turn the patient at least every 2 hours in bed, or as their nurse or doctor advises.
• Check the skin every day. Look at the heels, hips, lower back, tailbone, elbows and back of the head for redness that doesn't fade.
• Keep skin clean and dry. Change wet sheets and diapers quickly, and pat the skin dry gently.
• Use pillows and soft support. Pillows between the knees and under the calves keep pressure off bony points. An air mattress can also help.
• Support good nutrition and fluids. Healthy skin needs enough protein and water, as advised by the patient's doctor.

When to get help: if you see an open wound, blistering, or red skin that stays red after pressure is removed, contact a nurse or doctor quickly. Early care makes healing much easier.