Pressure sores

aylasnan

Can anyone advise me please on pressure sores. I've had a sore buttock for about 6 weeks. Just red at the moment. Keen to stop progression. I bought a foam cushion with sort of triangular peaks but it's not helping. It's only left buttock, which seems to also of lost more fat/muscle than other side. I did have cushings syndrome and had fat redistribution. Looking for any tips and recommendations for aids that work. Mattresses etc. Many thanks in advance.

thespiceman

Hello @aylasnan   Pleased to meet you.

Please have a look at this link lots for advice, information and guidance.

https://www.nhs.uk./conditions/pressure-sores

I would advise speak to a GP should be doing that as well.

Please take care and safe.

@thespiceman

Ami2301

Hi @aylasnan how are things now? Have you found anything that has helped?

aylasnan

Hi Ami, no was hoping for recommendations. Do you have any?

chiarieds

Hi @aylasnan - When my Mum had sites where I was concerned she might develop pressure sores, I used Opsite from Smith & Nephew. At the time I was a physio, & a rep from the company visited me monthly at work, making recommendations, & giving me free samples. Our GP was surprised how well Opsite worked, as she hadn't come across it before. My Mum's reddened skin improved, & didn't break down.

I wondered if this was still available, which it is, & is also used for pressure sores that have broken down, as well as other wounds. It can be left on for a week as it's moisture permeable, & is easy (& pain-free) to take off.

Here's the link: https://www.smith-nephew.com/professional/products/advanced-wound-management/opsite/

The only thing is, I doubt you'd be able to order it, but I'm sure your GP could.

Hope this may help, & please let us know, thank you.

aylasnan

Thankyou very much.

April2018mom

Definitely also try Opsite cream. It worked wonders when my son was a tiny baby. My son is unfortunately prone to having pressure sores too. Now I use a barrier cream from a pharmacy, distraction and protective clothing. Do you have open defect spina bifida or not? If so, ask your family doctor for a referral to a wound care specialist pronto. They can help you. 
Take a look at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores/. It has some more advice and tips on the most effective ways to deal with pressure sores other than saying some prayers. I will pray that you can find something to use that actually does work on reducing your nasty pressure sores. Good luck. 

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @aylasnan, here is some information from the NHS website which you might find helpful:

Dressings

Specially designed dressings can be used to protect pressure ulcers and speed up the healing process.

These include:

• alginate dressings – these are made from seaweed and contain sodium and calcium, which are known to speed up the healing process
• hydrocolloid dressings – contain a gel that encourages the growth of new skin cells in the ulcer, while keeping the surrounding healthy skin dry
• other dressing types – such as foams, films, hydrofibres/gelling fibres, gels and antimicrobial (antibiotic) dressings may also be used

Ask your carer about which type of dressing they're using to manage your pressure ulcer.

Gauze dressings are not recommended for either the prevention or treatment of pressure ulcers.

Creams and ointments

Topical antiseptic or antimicrobial (antibiotic) creams and ointments are not usually recommended for treating pressure ulcers.

But barrier creams may be needed to protect skin that's been damaged or irritated by incontinence. 

How are things doing at the moment? Please do let us know if we can do anything else to help.