How to care for bedsores on the buttocks in elderly patients

In general, pressure ulcers on the buttocks in elderly individuals may be caused by poor environmental hygiene, insufficient physical activity, malnutrition, diabetes, heart failure, and other factors. Care can be provided through general management and medication under medical guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Environmental Hygiene

Elderly individuals have thinner skin and weaker resistance. If environmental hygiene is not regularly maintained and damp clothing or bed linens are not changed promptly, pressure ulcers may develop and worsen. Regular repositioning and cleaning, along with frequent changes of bed sheets and bedding covers, are necessary to ensure a clean living environment.

2. Insufficient Physical Activity

Prolonged lack of physical movement can lead to continuous pressure on the buttocks, reducing blood circulation efficiency and causing local tissue ischemia and hypoxia, which may result in ulceration and necrosis, forming pressure ulcers. Appropriate stretching exercises such as tai chi or square dancing can help improve blood circulation.

3. Malnutrition

An unbalanced diet may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, weakening the immune system in older adults and negatively affecting skin condition and wound healing speed. It is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in nutritious foods such as eggs and seaweed.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes may result from various factors including obesity, high-calorie diets, and lack of exercise. It can cause peripheral vascular disease, impairing blood supply and oxygen delivery, thus delaying wound healing and contributing to pressure ulcer formation. Symptoms often include itchy skin and limb soreness. Medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, nateglinide tablets, and glimepiride capsules may be used as directed by a physician.

5. Heart Failure

Heart failure is primarily caused by damage to the heart muscle or excessive cardiac load, potentially leading to poor circulation, reduced blood flow to the skin and soft tissues, and an increased risk of pressure ulcers. Common accompanying symptoms include loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. Treatment may include medications such as spironolactone tablets, furosemide tablets, or torasemide tablets, as recommended by a doctor.

Maintaining a balanced diet, regularly cleaning the living environment, and frequently changing bedding can help in the care of pressure ulcers on the buttocks in elderly individuals.