The Use of Silicone Dressings Can Effectively Prevent Pressure Ulcers

Pressure sores are those that form tissue necrosis due to long-term compression of local tissues, blood circulation disorders, continuous tissue hypoxia, and malnutrition, also called bedsores. Once a high-risk group develops pressure sore, it is more difficult to repair and regenerate the wound, which not only increases the workload of the nurse, but also aggravates the suffering of the patient and prolongs the hospital stay. Therefore, prevention of pressure sores is particularly important. In recent years, we have applied silicone dressings to prevent bedsores and achieved satisfactory results.

1. The way to use silicone dressings

Choose the appropriate size of the silicone dressing to remove the guard sheet according to the size of the skin area, and cover the sticky side of the silicone dressing on the skin. Silicone dressing is an absorbent soft silicone foam dressing composed of 3 layers: a soft silicone wound contact layer, and an absorbent pad with a 3-layer structure: polyurethane foam, non-woven fabric layer and high absorbent polypropylene mixed fiber layer, breathable and waterproof outer film layer.

2. The mechanism of silicone dressings

Absorb exudate, maintain a proper wound healing environment, reduce the risk of wound maceration, and promote debridement. It can also normalize dry and desquamated skin around the wound. Try to lift the patient's body during the use of the silicone dressing and when turning over for the patient, avoid dragging, pulling, and pushing to prevent the silicone dressing from falling off. Keep the skin clean and dry. Patients with urinary incontinence should be given retention catheterization. Keep the sheets flat and dry. The silicone dressing should be changed every 3-7 days according to the patient's skin condition, and the skin condition should be observed when changing.

While using the silicone dressing, pay attention to basic care. Assist patients to change their positions regularly. Some data show that: skin pressure of 70mmHg for more than 2h can cause irreversible damage. Some patients are given air beds. Ensure the patient's nutrition intake. Strict handover shifts, reduce shearing force and friction, and do a good job of psychological care.