Page 54 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

SKIN RELATED Dr. Wolcott is a Certified Wound Specialist
Physician with over 10 years of wound care
PRESSURE INJURY experience. The Southwest Regional Wound Care
Center bridges the gap between medicine and science
in sEnioRs to utilize the most effective and innovative wound

treatments.

A presses against the shoe. This • Inflammation or swelling
decubitus ulcer is also known
as a pressure ulcer, bedsore,
causes vulnerability of the skin with
• Open wound
or pressure sore. It is formed
by prolonged pressure of the skin the potential for injury and ulcer • Infections
formation.
against a firm surface. Decubitus ulcer • Greenish or yellowish color
treatment depends on its severity. Risk factors (advanced)
When prolonged pressure is exerted • Medical conditions • Pus coming from the wound
on the skin against a firm surface,
the pressure cuts off blood supply People who are limited to a particular • Foul odor emitting from the wound
to the skin and injures the tissue position, such as seniors with a history
cells underneath the skin. When the of stroke, spinal cord injury, dementia, Diagnosis
pressure is not relieved for a long time, frailty, poor sensation, and obesity Your doctor will first examine your
the underlying tissues die, and the • Poor nutrition skin to determine if you have decubitus
skin begins to break down, leading Lack of foods rich in protein, vitamins, ulcer or pressure-related skin injury. If
to an open wound. It mostly affects zinc, and minerals—Malnutrition it is decubitus ulcer, the stage will be
people who lay on a bed or chair for causes the skin to easily break down. diagnosed, which will determine the
a very long time due to their inability best treatment options.
to change positions. Decubitus ulcers • Diabetes and vascular diseases
are commonly formed on the back, Diabetes restricts blood circulation Treatment
shoulder blades, buttocks, hips, ankles, in the body. Lack of blood to skin
elbows, heels, and tailbone. tissues damages the tissues leading to • Relieve the pressure on the affected
area with more frequent movement
decubitus ulcer. and changes of position.
At Southwest Regional Wound Care
Center, we specialize in the diagnosis, • Loss of sensation • Use materials that support the skin
treatment, and prevention of skin- When you don’t feel sensations such and prevent friction such as a soft
related pressure injury. as pain or discomfort, you will not be mattress and pillows. Avoid hard
aware of the changes happening to surfaces.
Causes your skin. Severe cases require specialized

Pressure of the skin against a hard • Dehydration medical care and treatments. They
surface is the major cause. Other When the skin is dehydrated, it lacks include:
related factors could also make the skin moisture, leading to increased friction. • Clean and dress the ulcer.
vulnerable: This causes the skin to crack, leading to Remove all the damaged and dead
• When the skin rubs against clothing injury. tissues before thoroughly cleaning
or bedding for a long time, friction the wound. This process is known as
occurs, making the skin fragile and Symptoms debridement and can be performed
vulnerable. The symptoms of decubitus ulcer at painlessly at Southwest Regional
• When you lie or sit down in a its early stage are different from the Wound Care Center. A treatment plan
position causing excessive pressure symptoms at its advanced stages. specifically tailored to your wound will
with movement, the skin over the The symptoms depending on the stage be implemented. The patient, family,
internal body structures will move include: and caretakers will be educated on
away from its original position • Skin discoloration dressing changes. The wound will be
causing deep tissue injury. evaluated weekly by Dr. Wolcott and
• Pain around the affected area his team for debridement and healing.
• When you wear very tight shoes,
the skin of your toes or heels • Tenderness or hardened skin

54 Lubbock Senior Link