Therapy
After the diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment must be carried out in a phase- and patient-specific manner. As a prophylactic measure the correct storage with regular repositioning is necessary. The most important goal is to relieve pressure.
In addition to the positioning therapy, thorough skin care with regular examination of the wound status must be carried out. To avoid friction on the skin it is necessary to avoid moisture and wetness. In cases of deep tissue damage, regular wound cleansing, which includes the removal of dead tissue remains, is essential.
Appropriate wound dressings and disinfectants are available for wound treatment. In deep stages, surgical therapy must be considered to prevent infection. This involves the removal of the damaged tissue and plastic surgery to cover the resulting defect. The treatment (therapy) of existing decubiti should be carried out by experienced doctors.
Complications
If the decubitus ulcer is very advanced, there is a risk of developing osteomyelitis or sepsis (blood poisoning).
Forecast
With grade I and II, complete healing can still be achieved. At grade III and IV only a defect healing is still possible For this reason the most important thing is prophylaxis to avoid a decubitus.
Summary
The decubitus can occur in many places, but especially in the area of bony protrusions. A lack of mobility, friction and pressure leads to reduced tissue perfusion with subsequent death of the soft tissue. Affected are mainly old and immobile people with diabetes or circulatory disorders as well as patients with malnutrition and general immune deficiency. The most frequently affected body parts are the heels, ankles, pelvic bones and the head of the fibula.
