Problems with skin integrity are common problems in chronically-ill patients, especially those who are confined to their beds, in or out of the hospital. When people spend too long in bed without moving or exercising, skin can become irritated and damaged. This usually results in the development of skin ulcers – a dangerous complication of inactivity because ulcers get easily infected and are harder to heal than normal skin injuries.
Skin ulcers
Ulcers are the result of poor circulation of blood to the skin, due to prolonged pressure and friction. The When a person continually lies on his or her back without being turned, areas of the back (usually the tail bone) don’t receive enough blood, causing the tissue to necrose or die. If the ulcer is discovered late, during stage two and higher, there is a greater chance of an infection developing.
These kinds of ulcers are typically seen in paraplegics and stroke victims, people who have mobility problems and have to get assistance to turn themselves in bed and perform daily activities. Because the skin is continually exposed to bodily fluids such as sweat and urine, it becomes weaker, and with enough friction, the skin can become damaged as well, creating an ulcer.
These kinds of ulcers are typically seen in paraplegics and stroke victims, people who have mobility problems and have to get assistance to turn themselves in bed and perform daily activities. Because the skin is continually exposed to bodily fluids such as sweat and urine, it becomes weaker, and with enough friction, the skin can become damaged as well, creating an ulcer.
Using sonography on the epidermis
Sonography has been commonly used in abdominal, cardiovascular, and OB-GYNE cases, but using it on areas such as the skin have been very rare. As of late, manipulating sound waves from a sonogram has been the latest innovations in sonography, making it possible to use the machine on very small and compact areas, like the blood vessels and skin. Schools for sonogram technicians that have newer curricula include training in new sonography techniques.
A study used high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) to detect abnormalities and potential damage in the dermis, supplemented by visual assessment of the affected area. The goal was to describe the best possible diagnostic tool in obtaining clear scans of the skin. Because sonograms are generally cheaper than other tools, it was very cost-effective, especially since the procedure itself is non-invasive. Very little preparation is needed so the machine can be used on a patient, plus immediate visualization and analysis is also a pro in using this kind of procedure.
A study used high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) to detect abnormalities and potential damage in the dermis, supplemented by visual assessment of the affected area. The goal was to describe the best possible diagnostic tool in obtaining clear scans of the skin. Because sonograms are generally cheaper than other tools, it was very cost-effective, especially since the procedure itself is non-invasive. Very little preparation is needed so the machine can be used on a patient, plus immediate visualization and analysis is also a pro in using this kind of procedure.
Results of HFUS use
The study continued to use HFUS as a diagnostic tool, with the images from 150 patients analyzed over a period of three years. There were changes made to the initial procedure during that span of time, such as location maneuvers, use and amount of probe gel, and pressure used on the area. High quality scans were noted even with basic training, making the procedure very useful in early diagnosis of shallow and deep dermal involvement.
As sonography become more appealing to a wider set of health care professionals as well as patients, there is an increase in people interested in learning ultrasound skills and techniques. Common questions among other HCPs include how much salary is and what the steps are on how to become a sonographer. The boom in sonographer employment and further development and study of the procedure can be predicted for years to come.
As sonography become more appealing to a wider set of health care professionals as well as patients, there is an increase in people interested in learning ultrasound skills and techniques. Common questions among other HCPs include how much salary is and what the steps are on how to become a sonographer. The boom in sonographer employment and further development and study of the procedure can be predicted for years to come.