What are Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)?
Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are injuries to your skin and the tissue below the skin from pressure on the skin area for an extended period. Bedsores most often happen on skin that covers bony areas of your body, like heels, ankles, hips, and your tailbone. Bedsores are also called pressure injuries and decubitus ulcers.
You are most at risk of bedsores if you have medical conditions that keep you from changing positions or moving. Or if you spend a lot of your time in bed or in a chair.
Bedsores can occur in hours or days. Most will heal with treatment, yet some might not heal completely. You can take measures to stop bedsores and help them heal.
Symptoms of Pressure Ulcers
Symptoms of bedsores are:
- Sore areas.
- Swelling.
- Changes in skin color or texture.
- Pus-like drainage.
- An area of skin that feels cooler or warmer to the touch.
Bedsores develop into progressive stages based on their depth, severity, and other factors. The degree of damage ranges from inflamed, unbroken skin to a deeper injury involving either muscle or bone.
Common Sites of Pressure Ulcers
Bedsores often occur on the skin over these areas:
- Heels, ankles, and skin behind the knees.
- Tailbone or buttocks.
- Shoulder blades and spine.
- Backs of your arms and legs.
- Back or sides of your head.
- Your shoulder blades.
- Hip, lower back, or tailbone.
When to See Your Doctor
If you notice signs of a bedsore, first change your position to ease the pressure. If the area does not improve in 24 to 48 hours, contact your physician.
Seek attention immediately if you see signs of infection. These include fever, drainage or a sore that smells bad, as well as the sore swelling or feeling warm. Your doctor will look closely at your skin to identify if you have a pressure ulcer. If a pressure ulcer is found, your doctor will assign a stage to the wound. Severity staging helps determine which treatment is best. A blood test might help to learn more about your overall health.
Pressure Ulcers Treatment
Treating pressure ulcers includes minimizing pressure on the affected skin, caring for the wound, controlling pain, preventing infection, and eating healthily.
Possible Treatment Team Members for Bedsores
Your care team could include one or more of the following:
- A physician who oversees your treatment plan.
- A professional specializing in wound care.
- A nurse or medical assistant who provides both care and education to manage your wound.
- A social worker who will help you access resources and address emotional concerns related to your long-term recovery.
- A physical therapist who will help you move better.
- An occupational therapist who would help you with proper seating.
- A dietitian who helps you with what to eat and recommends a good diet.
- A dermatologist specializing in skin conditions.
- A neurosurgeon, vascular surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, or plastic surgeon.
Reducing Pressure and Interventions
The first step in treating a bedsore is to reduce the source of the pressure and friction. Try to:
- Change your position. If you have a bedsore, change your position often. How often depends on your condition and the quality of the surface you are on.
- Use quality support surfaces. Use a mattress, bed, or special cushions that help you sit or lie in a way that protects the vulnerable area.
- Medicines to control pain.
- A healthy diet. Good nutrition will promote wound healing.