Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, are caused by decreased blood flow and tissue damage due to sustained pressure on one area of the body. Elderly and bedridden individuals are at greatest risk, and prevention through regular repositioning and skin care is key. Advanced stages can be life-threatening.
Bed sores, also called bed sores or pressure ulcers, form on the body due to decreased blood flow, causing tissue damage, sores to form, and eventually death. Pressure sores typically afflict those who are bedridden or constantly use a wheelchair, whether due to illness, injury, or paralysis, and cannot change position in a bed without help. When a person spends too much time in one position, the sustained pressure applied to an area can cause damage to the skin tissue.
Pressure sores can pose a risk to people who are bedridden with an acute illness or injury, but people with spinal cord injury and those permanently bedridden, such as the elderly, are at greatest risk. The elderly population accounts for the majority of cases. Their skin is typically thinner and they are often underweight, a combination that optimizes conditions for sores to form. Other conditions that increase the risk of sores include a decreased awareness of pain, incontinence, and malnutrition.
The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel is a professional organization that has classified pressure ulcers by stages of severity. Stage I pressure sores are superficial wounds that appear as a persistent area of red skin that may cause the patient to feel mildly itchy or burning or feel warm and spongy to the touch. These usually disappear as soon as the constant pressure is relieved by changing position or moving again.
Stage II pressure sores are open wounds with skin loss that appear as blisters or abrasions. While these sores require treatment, they generally heal quickly if treated appropriately. Stage III and Stage IV are the advanced stages.
Stage III means that the damage has extended beyond the skin layers to affect the muscle. Stage IV is the most severe stage, with significant skin loss and damage to muscles, bones, joints, and possibly other supporting structures. Stage IV sores are extremely difficult to heal and are often complicated by infections, which can be life-threatening.
Pressure sore prevention is a daunting task for healthcare professionals, but it is easier than treating and healing. Prevention is best achieved by regularly repositioning the patient. The frequency of repositioning depends on whether there are signs of tissue damage. If a patient already has stage I pressure sores, they should be repositioned at least every two hours. These sores can also be prevented by providing support, such as pillows or pads. It is also important to keep the patient’s skin clean and dry.
If you have a loved one confined to a hospital or nursing home, periodically check that precautions are being taken against the formation of pressure sores. If you are caring for a bedridden and/or wheelchair-bound person at home, remember to help protect them. If you see an open wound or broken skin accompanied by signs of infection, such as fever or drainage, see a doctor.
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