Some Most Common Risk Factors of Pressure Sores

There are several factors that have been acknowledged as things that put a person more at risk of developing PRESSURE ULCER sores. As soon as a person is spotted as a high-risk individual, certain measures have to be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of him or her developing bedsores.

It is imperative that the care provider, whether it is a nurse or a family member, is knowledgeable about these risk factors in order to be able to prevent the unnecessary and painful development of pressure sores. The risk factors will vary according to the patient's specific circumstances; nevertheless, this is a list of the 5 most common risk factors:

** Being confined to a bed, chair, or wheelchair Individuals who are confined to a bed, a chair, or a wheelchair, and who are not able to move by themselves, are at high risk of developing pressure sores extremely fast; in as little as a couple of hours, if the pressure is not relieved regularly.

** Being unable to change positions without assistance Persons who are in a coma, who are paralyzed, and who are recovering from a hip fracture or other injury that limits mobility, are extremely prone to bed sores. These patients must be moved consistently at regular intervals, and this is very difficult on caregivers, reason why it is imperative to get a PRESSURE ULCER mattress to help both the patient and the caretaker.

**Losing bowel or bladder control People who have to remain in bed for long periods of time or permanently and lose the capacity to control their bladder or bowels are in danger of getting bedsores because the continuous moisture on the skin due to urine, stool, or perspiration can irritate and weaken it.

** Eating bad, having an imbalanced diet and/or dehydration Pressure sores develop more easily when the body and skin of people who have lost most of their mobility are not adequately nurtured.  Losing mental awareness a person who is losing mental awareness may not have enough sensory perception or capacity to take action to prevent the development of PRESSURE SORES.