Page 54 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine
P. 54

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
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