Bed Soar Relief Is Complicated - Not To Be Taken Lightly

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and the tissue below the skin that occur due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body. These painful wounds can develop when blood flow to the skin is reduced or cut off, leading to tissue damage and cell death. Here are some key points about bedsores:

1. Risk Factors and Common Locations:

   • People who are immobile for extended periods, such as those who are bedridden or use a wheelchair, are most susceptible to bedsores.
   • Bedsores typically arise on skin covering bony areas, including the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone.
   • Other locations where bedsores can form include the bridges of the nose, ears, and the backs of the head. They can even occur inside the mouth due to factors like ill-fitting dentures, intubations, or mechanical ventilation.

2. Other Names for Bedsores:

   • Besides “bedsores,” you may also hear them referred to as:
     • Decubitus ulcers
     • Pressure injuries
     • Pressure sores
     • Pressure wounds

3. Prevalence:

   • Approximately 2.5 million Americans develop bedsores each year.
   • Anyone can be affected by bedsores, regardless of age or health status.

4. Causes:

   • Bedsores occur when pressure restricts blood flow to the skin.
   • Lack of blood supply leads to skin tissue damage, especially in bony areas.
   • Skin cells on the outer layer (epidermis) start to die, resulting in the formation of a pressure ulcer.

5. Factors Contributing to Bedsores:

   • Moisture: Sweat, urine, or stool can exacerbate the risk of bedsores.
   • Traction: Sliding down in an inclined bed or wheelchair can cause stretching or pulling of the skin, contributing to bedsores.

6. At-Risk Individuals:

   • People with thinner skin and limited mobility are more prone to bedsores.
   • Specific groups include those in a coma, vegetative state, experiencing paralysis, using wheelchairs, or wearing casts and splints.

Remember that preventing bedsores involves regular repositioning, maintaining skin hygiene, and addressing underlying health conditions. If you or someone you know is at risk, seek medical advice promptly to prevent complications¹²³⁴.

Learn more

1mayoclinic.org2my.clevelandclinic.org3medlineplus.gov4webmd.com