Can bedsores be prevented?
Bedsores can be prevented with intensive nursing care. Measures to prevent bedsores include:
Correct malnutrition if present (fluid, energy, protein, vitamins and minerals)
Daily inspection of an immobile person's skin to detect early redness
Frequent repositioning of the patient (recommendation is to turn them every 2 hours)
Keep the skin clean
Special foam, fibre and gels as padding materials used on chairs and beds to relieve the pressure on bony prominences
Powered alternating-pressure mattresses and overlays
Prevention of bedsores is the best approach as established bedsores can be painful and life threatening. They also lengthen hospital stays and increase medical costs dramatically.