Decubitis Ulcer: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention (1)

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Decubitis Ulcer
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Decubitis Ulcer

• A Decubitis ulcer is a skin condition resulting
  in an open sore on the patients skin. Decubitis
  ulcer usually occurs on lower body areas such as
  ankles, back, hips or buttocks. Decubitis ulcer
  condition is more common among disabled, elderly
  people or people with fragile skin. Decubitis
  ulcer is easily treatable with medicines in its
  initial stages. However, if Decubitis ulcer is
  left untreated it may cause damage to bones and
  muscles. Decubitis ulcer leads to the formation
  of painful blisters filed with pus. Decubitis
  ulcer is also known as Bedsores. 

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Causes of Decubitis ulcer 

• Persistent pressure on the skin is one of the
  main causes of a Decubitis ulcer. Sitting or
  lying in the same position for prolonged periods
  restricts the normal flow of blood resulting in a
  Decubitis ulcer. Frequent rubbing of skin against
  another surface can also damage the tissue
  beneath your skin. People who sweat a lot have
  excessive moisture on their skin, which reduces
  the skin resistance against sores. Wearing same
  clothing and undergarments for longer periods can
  create open sores by damaging outer layers of the
  skin.

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Risk factors for Decubitis ulcer 

• These are few factors that increase the chance
  of developing a Decubitis ulcer 
• Physical inactivity
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Low body weight
• Old age
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Anaemia
• Dementia

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Symptoms

• The symptoms of Decubitis ulcer gets worse with
  the progression of each stage. Consult a
  dermatologist immediately if you experience any
  of these symptoms. Common symptoms of Decubitis
  ulcer include 
• Infection
• Discoloration of skin
• Open skin
• Pain in the affected area
• Abnormal change in skin texture
• Reddened skin area

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Diagnosis of Decubitis ulcer 

• A dermatologist will start the diagnosis of
  Decubitis ulcer by performing physical exam and
  asking about your medical history. In a physical
  exam a dermatologist will check for 
• Color of the skin
• Size and depth of the skin
• Infection and bleeding
• If ulcer is affecting muscle or bone
• A dermatologist may also perform Tissue
  biopsy by taking the sample of the affected
  tissue and observing it under the microscope.

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Treatments

• A patients treatment of Decubitis ulcer depends
  on its stage. Treatment of Decubitis ulcer may
  involve medications, therapies, and surgery. 
• Anti-bacterial medicines to reduce the growth of
  infection
• Debridement surgery for the removal of dead
  tissue
• Pain killers to relive pain and discomfort
• Avoid touching the ulcer
• Regular dressing of wounds
• Using anti-bacterial soap for cleaning the
  affected area

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Prevention of Decubitis ulcer

• Using cushions or foam pads to reduce pressure
• Frequently changing the position
• Eating nutritional diet and drinking excessive
  water
• Regularly changing undergarments

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