Pressure Sores
Pressure Sores and Multiple Sclerosis
Risk Factors for Pressure Sores
Stages of Progression
- You will notice a small area of reddish or purple skin. When you press down on this spot, the skin will not return to its normal color. The area may also feel warm.Treatment and recovery time: If you eliminate the source of pressure, the sore can go away in a couple of days. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water and keep the wound covered.
- The outer layer of skin breaks down. You may see blistering and swelling. The affected area may be red and feel warm.Treatment and recovery time: Eliminate the source of pressure. Your healthcare provider will give you medications and recommend you keep the sore covered. Also, wash the area with a saline rinse. The sore should go away in a couple of weeks.
1-800-344-4867 or online." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host=""> The sore has penetrated the second layer of skin and begun to affect the fat and muscle. At this point, the sore looks like a hole or a crater and has a foul smell.Treatment and recovery time: This stage often involves long-term wound dressing and antibiotics if the area is infected. Through proper care, the sore will heal in 1 to 4 months. Your healthcare provider may recommend a special bed for you. The bed will allow you to change positions, which relieves the pressure that causes sores. If you need assistance finding a bed, contact an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867 or online.- The sore is deeper and bigger at this point. The skin around the affected area may be black. You may notice a foul smell. The wound may leak pus. Due to the severity of the sore, you may be able to see muscle or bone at this stage.Treatment and recovery time: Surgery may be required to address the sore. If surgery is not required, long-term dressings, medications and antibiotics will help the sore. Since this is the most serious stage of pressure sores, they can take anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years to heal. Your healthcare provider may recommend using a special bed to not only help the sores heal but prevent future ones.
How To Prevent Pressure Sores
- If you can, keep mobile. Moving your body relieves the pressure that can lead to a sore.
- If you are not mobile, make sure that you change your position or get help to do so at least every 2 hours. Changing positions redistributes the pressure on the body.
- Poor eating habits can lead to pressure sores. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat a well-rounded diet.
- Add a mattress or a mattress pad to your bed. A special mattress or mattress pad can alternate and distribute the pressure applied by the body on the mattress. Foam “egg-crate” mattresses are not recommended for preventing pressure sores.
- Wear padding or boots on your pressure points (e.g., elbows, heels). Nurses, physical therapists and/or physiatrists (physicians specializing in rehabilitation medicine) can help you prevent pressure sores.
- If you use a wheelchair, sit on a cushion that distributes your weight. Healthcare providers often recommend a gel-filled cushion. Ask your physician or physical therapist about getting evaluated by a seating specialist. Sitting on pillows, towels or foam pads may add to your risk of developing pressure sores.