skin care

[giambjj]

My son is C-4, C-5 complete, 8 months post injury.
He has occassional problems with pressure sores.
Can anyone give me some good hints on preventing them? Turning more often, fluids, vitamins, skin preps, etc. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Jeremy]

Here's a link to a web site about skin care, pressure sores, just go down to pamphlets.
http://depts.washington.edu/rehab/sci/index.shtml

[Carl R]

I had problems with my tail bone for about the first year after injury. I started sleeping on a low air loss air mattress after that and haven't had any problems since then. I recently changed to a select comfort air mattress which can be adjusted for pressure relief. I also use Provon lotion on my back and shoulders and tail bone, which helps keep the skin healthy.

[giambjj]

Where do you get Provon lotion?
Thanks for all your help. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[SCI-Nurse]

Where does he get the pressure sores?

A good balanced diet including protein for tissue repair is important. 2-3 liters of fluid (water) is recommended as long as he has no other kidney, bladder or cardiac problems.

A turning schedule of every (4) hours around the clock is advised; side-to-side and on his back with a pillow to protect the knees and ankles when on his side (pillow between the legs). Be sure he has an appropriate mattress and wheel chair cushion. Skin inspection with each turn and upon getting up in the chair and going to bed is a must. This is usually done by the caregiver for someone at his SCI level.

Using moisturizing lotion to keep the skin from becoming too dry and determining a bathing/showering schedule that will decrease the possibility of drying the skin helps. Be careful of the amount and kind of soap used. A mild soap is best.

Soft, cotton clothing and clothing items without seems, button, rivets etc. that can be trouble in spots where pressure is when sitting or lying.

There may be some other options for prevention depending on where he has trouble with pressure sores............SAH

[giambjj]

on his lower back. He needs more fluids and more protein.

Thanks:

JJG http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[SCI-Nurse]

He may be getting these from what is known as "sheer". Sheer happens from slidding down in bed or sliding or rubbing of the chair on that lower back area. The skin actually goes one way and the structures under the skin go the other causing a tear of the connective tissue between the two................SAH

[Clipper]

I'm a C5/6 quad. I've been very fortunate with my skin. I slept on a water bed for many years, and had no problem with sores. I didn't turn and I slept comfortably. Now I sleep on a Select Comfort adjustable air mattress bed. It provides the same softness as a waterbed with the spinal support of a hard bed.

A note about positioning -- this is very important both to skin and comfort. I sleep on my side in the fetal position, with two pillows under my knees and one in between. I also have a pillow behind my back and a small one behind my top shoulder. I know this sounds excessive, but it keeps me comfortable and all my pointy spots are protected.