How do you prevent bedsores with someone who's paralyzed?

I have an identical twin sister who became paralyzed from the neck down not that long ago. She's helpless and we have to change her diapers and tube feed her and suction her lungs, etc...We're 17 and I take care of her a lot. My mother and I noticed she's getting a type of red sore on her upper thigh. Does anyone who's knowledgeable know how you properly treat a bed sore and prevent further sores and diaper rashes?How do you prevent bedsores with someone who's paralyzed?
1. Try to use air-mattress.

2. Frequent posture changing. (Every 2 hour will do)

3. Wet-tissue or other cleaning after she passes stool/urine.

4. There are some commercial creams/gels to apply over them. You can search on the net.

5. In case of developing sores, try to prevent moisture by using talc (only on intact skin, not on wound). But in case of developed sores you may need dressing by professional nurses.

6. Cleanliness of her bed-sheet, clothes %26amp; surroundings will reduce the chance of infection.

7. Change hes diaper as soon as you notice soiling, and then apply an ointment (such as A %26amp; D ointment庐) to keep the area dry.

8. Her diet should be balanced (rich in protein %26amp; vitamins)

9. Assisted exercise/passive movement of her hands/legs: If her condition allows do it. This will help her preventing joint stiffness that otherwise will lead to arthritis.

Exercise will also helpful for a good circulation %26amp; preventing thrombosis. It will also enhance her immunity to fight against the germs.





I am a medical doctor.

Following links will be more helpful for your understanding.



[N.B: To Michelan, Pls read carefully my answer before particular comment. I did not tell to apply talc on open wound. And please read the question before you answer(as described by asker)-';Additional Details: the wound isn't open or bleeding, its just really red.';]How do you prevent bedsores with someone who's paralyzed?
if her bed sore is open and seeping/bleeding, it needs to be treated by a professional. find a home health care company with a wound care nurse. if her wound is just red and not open, just make sure it gets plenty of air and keep an eye on it. to prevent further sores, make sure she is re-positioned several times a day to create different pressure points and make sure she is not lying on too hard of a surface, especially on her pressure points.
Yes, so you simply treat a bed sore.
I would have your primary doctor have a wound care nurse come over and give you some teaching a barrier cream can help with the sore to prevent the acidity of her stool from causing more damage to her wound because it acts like anoter layer. Unless the sore is in a later stage. Then more intervention will be needed. However to help prevent her from getting sores is pretty tough because she will need to be turned every hour at least. to help her stay off her bony areas (tail bone, heels, elbows, etc.) their are air mattressess out their that are pretty expensive that help turn the patient every couple of minutes so you won't have to do it. I hope some of this helps.
Below are some links, one is an education article on pressure ulcers written for pharmacists. I have not finished reading it, but I don't agree with everything they say. They ignore the importance of a choice of mattress, it does make a difference.



The other is from the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, its a trusted reference for doctors but keep in mind with both articles that drug company influence is always present.



http://www.uspharmacist.com/continuing_e



http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch126/ch ulcers%26amp;alt=sh



(The online Merck link above has a error in it that leads the reader to link to an article about pit vipers. I have sent an e-mail to notify Merck. Lately I have noticed these types of errors, they must be using some automated software that mistook scales on patient's skin with scales on snakes).



For pus filled wounds, an old time treatment that works, is to make a warm solution of Epson Salt and use it to soak the area. The solution as directed on the box, is hypertonic so it draws out the fluid and pus from the infected area. Dipping a cotton diaper or wash cloth in the solution to use as a compress when direct soaking is not possible.



One thing I think that can help prevent fungal infections where the skin folds together is to put a terry type of cotton cloth between the folds of the skin so it can absorb the moisture and skin oils.



For your sister's mental health you might consider playing classical music. Some classical music is better than others. Also for mental health, seeing that she can hear and speak she might want to study a foreign language (thats always fun and has employment potential), and also consider the study of law as a long term goal (it also could be entertaining).



From amazon.com you can obtain cheap used law texts. They are dry in places but filled with interesting stories that lawyers need to know. Torts by Prosser and Keeton is a standard text used in 1st year law school.



I might edit this answer to improve it later.
I am concerned about the advice given by 'chicken heart'. It does not sound like the advice is up to date. I have doubts that this poster is a doctor. Do not ever use talcum powder on an open wound.



The most important rule is to distribute the weight as much as possible so that no one part, like a buttock or a shoulder or heels are pressing on the bed. There are many pressure relieving mattresses available for purchase or hire. I would recommend you get one, it might be expensive but it will save you the huge problem of your sister getting bad sores.

Do not get the thin ones, only two inches thick you need to get one at least four inches thick with a washable cover.



Here is a link to a reputable advice site, not trying to sell, only advising. http://www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/pdf/Cho
I think Chicken heart is right.



Michelan, (yes), read the facts before you criticize.

And also read the question carefully before answering. (';not open wound, only red';)



25 years of nursing!!...may be you need to change your glasses for a proper reading.