BEDSORES
Aside from the illness which a bed ridden person might be suffering from, a substantial part of his headache and that of his care-giver are the bedsores that attends long illness. Here are some practical tips to alleviating bedsores. An air mattress or even a thick sheepskin pad over a standard mattress - relieves pressure and prevents bedsores on heels, buttocks, elbows, head and shoulders. Pads or pillows at these points help too.
Change a bedridden persons position every 2 hours. Moisturizer and 100 milligrams of vitamins C every day help sustain skin tone. Three 3-ounce servings of protein a day help maintain muscle tissue and aid healing if bedsores begin to develop. Bedsores are easier to prevent than to treat. If you notice any red spots on the skin, keep pressure off the area and call a physician.
BURNS
The seriousness of a burn depends on three things: how deep it is, how much of the body it covers, and the age and health of the victim. Adults over 60 are especially vulnerable; a burn thats moderate degree burns are superficial; the skin becomes slightly reddened and swollen. Second-degree burns penetrate the first layer of skin and damage the second. The skin is red mottled, and blistered; pain is intense. Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin, usually leaving charred, black areas or dry, white ones. There may be extreme pain or, because of nerve damage, very little pain after the initial acute pain.
Such burns are always serious, as they are easily infected. Wet down, remove, smother, or cut away any smoldering clothes. Pour cold water over tar, wax, or grease; dont try to remove it. If the skin and clothes are still hot, and the burn seems to be first or second degree, immerse the area in ice or cold water or apply a cool, wet dressing for no longer than 10 minutes. If the burn appears to be third degree, immerse it in water only if its still burning. Facial burns. or soot in the nose or mouth indicates that the person has inhaled smoke. Check that the victim has no breathing problems. Apply a loose, dry, preferably sterile dressing to all third-degree burns and to second-degree burns over more than 9 percent of the body. If the burns are extensive, wrap the person in a clean sheet. Don't put anything else on the burn.
Take the person to an emergency room. If the burn is minor second degree on less than 9 percent of non critical areas of the body or first degree on less than 18 percent - apply a loose dressing, moistened only with cool water to help relieve the pain. Be careful not to break any blisters. If theres tar, grease, or wax on the skin, cover with a loose, dry dressing, and take the person to an emergency room.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited