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Care of Pressure Ulcers (Decubitus)

  • Optimal Wound Care
  • Professional Wound Management
  • Prevention of New Wounds
What decubitus is and what the Alpha Wound Experts pay attention to

What decubitus is and what the Alpha Wound Experts pay attention to

The medical term for pressure ulcer is decubital ulcer or decubitus, sometimes it is also referred to as pressure ulcer. Pressure ulcers often occur in people who are bedridden for long periods and cannot move properly. Therefore, in the therapy of burns or after surgical interventions, we pay special attention to ensure that no pressure ulcers develop. The care of the surgical wound is often the lesser problem. Due to immobility, a decubitus can develop. This requires frequent care by the Alpha Wound Experts. Targeted wound management is the most important prerequisite for complete healing.

Preventing pressure ulcers on the coccyx and heel

In 80 percent of cases, decubitus occurs on the sacrum or heel, i.e., in areas that bear the most weight when lying down. A pressure ulcer on the foot, not on the heel, is often the result of a disease. It may be due to an Ulcus Cruris, which is based on poor blood circulation. Sometimes it is also a diabetic foot. All employees of Alpha Wound Experts know the differences and know how you must act.

We prevent pressure ulcers on the coccyx and heel through proper positioning and relief of the corresponding areas. As aids, we use various positioning pillows. In addition, we ensure that the patient’s position is changed every 2 to 3 hours.

Overview of Decubitus Mattresses That Prevent Pressure Ulcers

  • Alternating pressure systems: Multiple air chambers are automatically alternately filled with air and then emptied again.
  • Static soft positioning systems: There are two possible variants: a foam mattress or a motor-driven air cushion system. Viscoelastic foams are usually used, into which the patient sinks, thereby increasing the contact surface and reducing pressure. The patient also sinks into the air chamber mattresses.
  • Micro-stimulation systems (MiS for short) are dynamic systems for stimulation through micro-movements and are intended to promote and preserve the patient’s own movement and perception.
  • Gel mattresses are filled with viscous gel. The patient also sinks into these mattresses.

How we treat decubitus on the buttocks

A pressure ulcer on the buttocks occurs less frequently in lying patients. These ulcers are typical for patients who sit in a wheelchair. Particularly problematic is that these people often have no sensation of pain in the lower part of the body. In addition, only a few positions are possible when sitting. During the personal wound visit, we must therefore pay attention to whether a decubitus is forming on the buttocks.

A so-called 135° positioning has also proven effective for a pressure ulcer on the coccyx and buttocks, in which the person lies almost in a prone position. To hold the position, we use two pillows, which we place under the upper body and the corresponding lower half of the body on one side respectively. Our specialists will be happy to show you how you can reposition the patient yourself accordingly.

Treatment process or Course of treatment

Our comprehensive service for optimal wound healing

A structured treatment process is crucial for the fast and complication-free healing of wounds. We provide personalized care to optimize the healing process.

1

Alpha Wundexperten
Consultation & Assessment

The first consultation includes a thorough examination of the wound as well as a medical history to optimally plan the healing process.

2

Alpha Wundexperten
Individual Treatment Plan

Based on the examination, an individual treatment plan is created, taking into account the patient’s specific needs and risks.

3

Alpha Wundexperten
Treatment & Monitoring

During the treatment, the wound is regularly monitored to ensure healing progress and to make necessary adjustments.

4

Alpha Wundexperten
Follow-up & Care

After the treatment, regular follow-up is provided to detect potential complications early and to support long-term healing.

Overview of Decubitus Grades

Overview of Decubitus Grades

How quickly complete wound healing occurs depends both on the quality of wound care and on the grade of the decubitus

Characteristics of Decubitus Grade 1

The affected area shows a persistent redness that does not disappear when pressed. However, there is no wound yet. At this stage, specific treatment must begin. Important is immediate relief of the affected area.

Characteristics of Decubitus Grade 2

The erosion of the skin, i.e., of epidermis and dermis, has begun. A wound forms and the skin is damaged. Now it is important to ensure that the wound does not become infected.

Characteristics of Decubitus Grade 3

The epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis are affected. There is necrotic (black) tissue and scab. Important: The decubitus always appears smaller on the surface than it is in depth.

Characteristics of Decubitus Grade 4

Deep pressure ulcer, the necrosis extends deep into the tissue. Involvement of bones, tendons, and muscles is possible.

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Pressure Ulcer – Treatment Process

Normal wound care is not sufficient. Due to changes in sensitivity, the patient often does not feel the pain. The reflex to change position therefore does not occur.

The most important thing in treatment is to combat all factors that promote decubitus:

  • Immobility: Especially older people over 70 years are at risk if they cannot move. Therefore, regular repositioning of immobile patients is necessary.
  • Malnutrition: The quality of the skin suffers from poor nutrition, it becomes thinner. The thinner it is, the more sensitively it reacts to friction, shear stress, and pressure. Treatment should be combined with appropriate nutritional management.
  • Incontinence: The permanent moisture makes the tissue brittle due to maceration.
  • Comorbidity: There are disorders or diseases that are added to an underlying disease, which must be paid special attention to.

In addition to these measures, if the skin is damaged (from stage 2), appropriate wound cleaning and wound treatment must be performed by the nursing staff.

Alpha Wound Experts Train You in Preventive Measures

We are happy to provide you with specialized knowledge to prevent decubitus:

  • Regularly examine the body areas where a decubitus can develop, i.e., the weight-bearing areas.
  • Reposition the patient every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Wash the patient completely at least once a day and clean the perineal area after each bowel movement or urination
  • Avoid using rough fabrics to dry the skin.
  • Change bed linens daily.

Contact the Alpha Wound Experts through our form Contact or call us at 030 / 600 33 977, or send an email (info@Alpha Wundexperten.de).

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We Answer Your Questions

Exact data on the frequency of pressure ulcers in Germany are difficult to determine due to a high number of unreported cases. Depending on the study, the prevalence is 4-11% in nursing homes and hospitals.

As long as a medical prescription is available, health insurance companies usually cover the costs of an anti-decubitus mattress.

Any doctor can prescribe such a mattress.

Pulling or tearing positioning techniques must be avoided in patients with limited mobility, as they can injure the skin through shear forces.

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