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Tag: Antibiotics

Bedsore Management

Bedsore Management

An ulceration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by poor circulation due to prolonged pressure on body parts

The most common places

  • hips
  • back
  • ankles
  • buttocks

This condition is common among:

  • elderly people
  • people with decreased mobility
  • people who spend long periods in bed or a wheelchair
  • people who can’t move certain body parts without help
  • people with fragile skin

Sign Symptoms :

  • skin discoloration
  • pain in the affected area
  • infection
  • open skin
  • skin that doesn’t lighten to the touch
  • skin that’s softer or firmer than the surrounding skin

Treatment:

Changing position

  • Second hourly positioning

Mattresses and cussion

  • Air mattress/Alfa Bed
  • Water bed

Dressings:

  • Alginate dressings –  to speed up the healing process
  • Hydrocolloid dressings –  encourages the growth of new skin cells in the ulcer, while keeping the surrounding healthy skin dry 
  • Other dressing types – such as foams, films, hydro fibres /gelling fibres, gels and antimicrobial (antibiotic) dressings may also be used

“Gauze dressings aren’t recommended for either the prevention or treatment of pressure ulcers.”

Creams and ointments:

  • Topical antiseptic or antimicrobial (antibiotic) creams and ointments aren’t usually recommended for treating pressure ulcers.
  • But barrier creams may be needed to protect skin that’s been damaged or irritated by incontinence. 

Antibiotics

  • Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat an infected ulcer or if you have a serious infection, such as
  • Bacterial infection of tissues under the skin (cellulitis)
  • Infection of the bone (osteomyelitis)

Diet and nutrition

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet that contains enough protein and a good variety of vitamins

Removing damaged tissue (debridement)

  • A local anaesthetic should be used to numb the area around the ulcer so debridement (if not being treated with a dressing) doesn’t cause you any pain.

Surgery

  • Surgical treatment involves:
  • Cleaning the wound and closing it by bringing the edges of the ulcer together
  • Cleaning the wound and using tissue from healthy skin nearby to close the ulcer
  • Implanted skin tissue dying

To read more on Patient Care, click on the link below.

Patient Care

Common Cold

Common Cold: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by many different viruses

Symptoms

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Congestion
  • Slight body aches or a mild headache
  • Sneezing
  • Low grade fever
  • Generally feeling unwell (malaise)

Causes

Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprit.

A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.

It also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you’re likely to catch a cold.

Treatment

There’s no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses and shouldn’t be used unless there’s a bacterial infection. Treatment is directed at relieving signs and symptoms.

Prevention

  • Wash your hands
  • Disinfect your stuff (kitchen and bathroom countertops)
  • Use tissues
  • Don’t share your things (glass of water, utensils)
  • Avoid close contact
  • Eat well

To read more on Patient Care, click on the link below.

Patient Care