Bedsores

Bedsores or Pressure sores or Decubitus Ulcers are ulcers (sores) caused by prolonged pressure on vulnerable areas of the body. Vulnerable areas in this case include bony/cartilaginous areas prone to moisture and friction. Examples include pressure points on the lower back (near the tail bone or sacrum or iliac crest), hips, ankles, heels and elbows.

A simple example of a mild pressure sore may be experienced by healthy individuals while sitting in the same position for extended periods of time. The dull aches are indicative of impeded blood flow to affected areas. Within hours, this may lead to tissue death. The sore will initially start as a red, painful area, which eventually turns purple. Left untreated, the skin may break open and become infected. Moist skin is more sensitive to tissue ischemia and tissue death, and is also more likely to get infected.

The ulcers are categorized into four stages, subject to size and depth. Stage I is the most superficial, Stage IV the deepest (usually extending into the muscle).

Bedsores are slow to heal, so prevention is generally paramount here. Good nursing homes and hospitals usually set programs to avoid the development of bedsores in bedridden patients (e.g. moving them every two hours, ensuring dry sheets, etc.).