Bed Sore Care For Seniors: Healing Buttock Ulcers Effectively (2024)

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers can be a significant source of discomfort and pose serious health risks if not properly managed.

I remember seeing a few patients (when working as an Occupational Therapist) that had bed sores on the buttocks so deep, I could see the bone.

It was a stark reminder of the severity that pressure ulcers can reach if not promptly and effectively managed.

Witnessing the extent of tissue damage and the pain it inflicted on patients underscored the critical importance of comprehensive care and prevention strategies.

Because of this, I want to educate you (my readers) on the steps that are needed to take to prevent and (if need be) treat bed sores.

Importance Of Proper Treatment Of Bed Sores

Because of prolonged sitting or laying in bed, the buttocks are particularly vulnerable to developing bed sores.

Here are key reasons why understanding and implementing effective treatment is crucial:

• Prevention of Infections: Untreated bed sores can lead to severe infections, including cellulitis and sepsis, which are more challenging to manage in older adults due to their often-weaker immune systems.
• Pain Management: Bed sores can be extremely painful, affecting the quality of life and overall well-being of the affected individual.
• Promoting Comfort and Recovery: Effective treatment enhances comfort, facilitates healing, and can prevent the progression of sores to more severe stages.
• Reducing Caregiver Stress: Knowledgeable and proactive management of bed sores can alleviate the emotional and physical burden on caregivers.

5 Effective Treatment Strategies

Regular Position Changes

Shifting the patient’s position every two hours is fundamental to alleviating pressure on the buttocks.

Use specialized cushions or mattresses designed to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points.

Skin Care and Hygiene

Keeping the skin clean and dry is essential. Gently cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water or a saline solution, and pat dry.

Apply moisture barriers as recommended to protect the skin.

Nutritional Support

A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals supports skin integrity and healing. Ensure adequate hydration to maintain skin elasticity and resilience.

Use of Pressure-Relieving Devices

Incorporate pressure-relieving devices such as foam pads, air mattresses, or gel cushions to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.

Professional Wound Care

For more advanced sores, I would recommend to ask your doctor for a wound care specialist.

The primary role of these healthcare professionals is to provide expert care and management for patients with wounds, ensuring optimal healing and preventing complications such as infections.

Monitoring and Prevention

Regular inspection of the skin for early signs of pressure ulcers is crucial. Look for redness, warmth, swelling, or hardness on the buttocks and other pressure points.

Engage in open dialogue with healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive care plan is in place.

The Role of Caregivers

Caregivers play a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of bed sores. Being informed, vigilant, and proactive can make a significant difference in the management of these conditions.

It’s also important for caregivers to take care of their own well-being, seeking support and assistance when needed.

Understanding The Stages Of Bed Sores

Bed sores are categorized into four stages, from mild (stage 1) to severe (stage 4).

Understanding these stages is crucial for early detection, proper treatment, and ideally, prevention. Here’s a detailed look at each stage:

Stage 1: Early Detection

• Appearance: The skin remains intact but may appear red on lighter skin or differently colored on darker skin, without fading upon pressure application.
• Symptoms: The area may feel warm, firm, soft, cooler than surrounding tissue, or itchy.
• Management: Focus on relieving pressure and improving nutrition and hydration. Frequent repositioning and using support surfaces like specialized mattresses or cushions can prevent further damage.

Stage 2: Partial Thickness Skin Loss

• Appearance: There is partial-thickness loss of skin, presenting as a shallow open sore or blister. The wound bed is typically red or pink and moist, without slough or bruising.
• Symptoms: The area may be painful and exhibit signs of infection such as increased warmth, redness, or swelling.
• Management: Continue with pressure relief strategies. Clean the wound gently with saline or mild cleansing solutions. Use moisture-retaining dressings or bandages to protect the wound and promote a moist healing environment.

Stage 3: Full Thickness Skin Loss

• Appearance: This stage involves full-thickness loss of skin, revealing fat in the ulcer. Slough may be present, and the depth of the ulcer varies. The bottom of the wound may include granulation tissue, and there may be undermining or tunneling.
• Symptoms: The risk of infection is higher, and the area requires careful monitoring for signs of complications.
• Management: Pressure relief is critical. Clean the wound regularly, remove dead tissue (debridement), and apply appropriate wound dressings. Consult a healthcare provider for advanced wound care strategies.

Stage 4: Full Thickness Tissue Loss

• Appearance: This stage involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. Slough or eschar may be present on some parts of the wound bed, and there is often significant undermining and tunneling.
• Symptoms: The wound is at high risk for infection, including osteomyelitis (bone infection) or sepsis, especially if not treated properly and promptly.
• Management: Comprehensive medical treatment is required, including aggressive wound care, possible surgery, antibiotics for infection, and continued pressure mitigation. A multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals is often necessary.

Unstageable/Deep Tissue Pressure Injury:

• Appearance: The wound is covered by slough or eschar, making it impossible to assess the depth of the injury. Deep tissue pressure injury may appear as a localized area of purple or maroon skin or a blood-filled blister due to damage of underlying soft tissue from pressure and/or shear.
• Management: Requires evaluation by a healthcare professional for appropriate intervention. Debridement may be necessary to remove dead tissue and accurately assess the wound’s stage.

Each stage of a bed sore requires a tailored approach to care and treatment, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prompt, appropriate management to prevent progression and promote healing.

Collaborating with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists, can provide the necessary guidance and support for effective management of pressure ulcers.

About the Author: Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S.