Bedsore (patient information)

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Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Meagan Doherty

Overview
A Bedsore is a area of skin that becomes damaged and breaks down. Ultimately, this damaged area of skin forms an open sore. Bedsore's are caused by constant pressure on certain areas of skin usually as a result of being immobile for too long (i.e. sitting or lying in one position without moving.)

What are the symptoms of Bedsore?
The symptoms of a Bedsore depend on how severe it is. Bedsores are classified in the following stages. Stage I (earliest signs) and Stage IV (worst):


 * Stage I: A reddened area on the skin that, when pressed, does not turn white. This indicates that a pressure ulcer is starting to develop.
 * Stage II: The skin blisters or forms an open sore. The area around the sore may be red and irritated.
 * Stage III: The skin breakdown now looks like a crater. There is damage to the tissue below the skin.
 * Stage IV: The pressure ulcer has become so deep that there is damage to the muscle and bone, and sometimes to tendons and joints.

Who is at highest risk?
People at the highest risk for developing a Bedsore include:
 * Individuals who are bedridden
 * Individuals bound to a wheelchair
 * Malnourishment
 * Risk increases with age
 * Individuals with a injury or disease that may limit mobility (i.e. spinal cord injury)
 * Individuals with a condition that may inhibit blood flow to certain areas of the body (i.e. diabetes)
 * Individuals with urinary or bowel incontinence
 * Individuals with a mental condition that may affect mobility (i.e. Alzheimer's)

When to seek urgent medical care?
Contact your health care provider if an area of the skin blisters or forms an open sore. Contact the provider immediately if there are any signs of an infection. An infection can spread to the rest of the body and cause serious problems. Signs of an infected ulcer include:


 * A foul odor from the ulcer
 * Redness and tenderness around the ulcer
 * Skin close to the ulcer is warm and swollen

Fever, weakness, and confusion are signs that the infection may have spread to the blood or elsewhere in the body.

Treatment options
Discuss any new or changing pressure sore with your doctor or nurse. Once a pressure ulcer is found, the following steps must be taken right away:


 * Pressure on that area must be relieved using pillows, foam cushions, or sheepskin.
 * The Bedsore will be treated according to which stage it falls under. Your health care provider will give you specific treatment instructions based on the stage.
 * Avoid further injury or friction to the area. Powder the sheets lightly to decrease friction in bed. (There are many items made for this purpose -- check a medical supplies store.)
 * Improve nutrition and other problems that may affect the healing process.
 * If the pressure ulcer is at Stage II or worse, your health care provider will give you instructions on how to clean and care for open ulcers. It is very important to do this properly to prevent infection.
 * Keep the area clean and free of dead tissue. Your health care provider will give you care directions. Generally, pressure ulcers are rinsed with a salt-water rinse to remove loose, dead tissue. The sore should be covered with special gauze dressing made for pressure ulcers.
 * New medicines that promote skin healing are available and may be prescribed by your doctor.

Where to find medical care for Bedsore?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition