Question 1

which cream can i use to treat pressure ulcers stage 2-3?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the wound is clean i would use a collagen dressing of some sort. If you need a cream i would try medihoney gel or santyl. Both of these medications can help keep the wounds clean.

Question 2

what is the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the u.s.?

Accepted Answer

2.5 million in USA: This is an estimate and represents the number of TREATED pressure sores. The incidence is likely to be much much higher.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-pathogenesis-and-risk-assessment-of-pressure-ulcers?source=outline_link&amp;view=text&amp;anchor=H2#H2For a good summary:

Question 3

how do pressure ulcers form?

Accepted Answer

Multifactorial: Pressure ulcers are rare, though possible in the young - as in a 10 hour back surgery.  It is more common in the elderly / infirmed with issues like stroke related paralysis/paresis, cachexia, metabolic problems like diabetes  and chronic illness like kidney disease.  Add prolonged pressure to the above, even healthy looking tissue will breakdown and not heal properly.

Question 4

why do pressure ulcers have to be elevated?

Accepted Answer

Pressure relief: Pressure ulcers need relief of the pressure as the primary treatment. A moist wound environment, treatment of infection, removal of dead tissue and treatment of poor nutrition/ diabetes/ poor circulation (pad) are also very important. Elevation of a leg pressure ulcer would be to relieve pressure or if there is swelling. It depends on the location of the wound.

Question 5

what's the difference between stage ii and stage iii pressure ulcers when it comes to measurments?

Accepted Answer

Depth of tissue: Stage 2 is involving the dermis. Stage 3 extends to the underlying fat.

Question 6

does being in a wheelchair cause pressure ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Wheelchair: Not necessarily so. Your wheelchair and cushion should be assessed by someone knowledgeable with this type of equipment. For example, there are seating specialists (physical therapists) that can evaluate you and  your needs and order the correct equipment.

Question 7

how often do i have to get up to prevent pressure ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Pressure Ulcer Help: The actual amount of time that it takes to develop a pressure ulcer will vary from individual to individual. There are many factors that would allow a better answer; diabetes mellitus, prior history of ulcers in the same area, moisture from perspiration or incontinence, fungal infections of the skin, low blood pressure are examples. Even moving every 20 minutes sometimes is necessary to prevent.

Question 8

what is involved in debridement of pressure ulcers, decubitus?

Accepted Answer

Debridement: Debridement is a term that wound specialist use to describe the action of removing contents from the inside of the wound. There are many categories of debridement. For example, chemical debridements are the application of a surface product that chemically breaksdown the components on the surface of a wound. Surgical debridement is the use of sharp instruments to remove and enlarge a wound.

Question 9

what does a caregiver need to know about skin care and pressure ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Stage: - reduce or eliminate underlying contributing factors by providing pressure relief with proper positioning and support surfaces.
- provide appropriate local wound care, which may include debridement for patients with necrotic tissue, based on the ulcer's characteristics.
- consider adjunctive therapies, such as negative pressure wound therapy
- monitor and document the patient's progress.

Question 10

what happens when there is a debridement of pressure ulcers or decubitus?

Accepted Answer

Debridement: Debridement of a pressure sore consists of removing all dead tissue to help the wound heal. This is done with several instruments including scalpel.

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Doctor answers about:

Treatment for pressure ulcers stage 2

A member asked:

Which cream can i use to treat pressure ulcers stage 2-3?

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What is the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the u.s.?

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How do pressure ulcers form?

A member asked:

Why do pressure ulcers have to be elevated?

A member asked:

What's the difference between stage ii and stage iii pressure ulcers when it comes to measurments?

A member asked:

Does being in a wheelchair cause pressure ulcers?

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How often do i have to get up to prevent pressure ulcers?

A member asked:

What is involved in debridement of pressure ulcers, decubitus?

A member asked:

What does a caregiver need to know about skin care and pressure ulcers?

A member asked:

What happens when there is a debridement of pressure ulcers or decubitus?

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