What Are the Symptoms of Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)?
Pressure ulcers, or bed sores, are specific areas of damage to your skin and the tissue underneath. You have a much higher chance of getting them if you experience difficulty moving.
Symptoms of a Pressure Ulcer or Bedsore
Pressure ulcers or bedsores most often form on bony parts of your body, such as your heels, elbows, hips, and tailbone.
The common symptoms of pressure ulcers include:
- A discolored patch of skin that does not change color when you press on it, the patches are most often red on white skin, or purple or blue on brown or black skin.
- A patch of skin that feels warm, spongy, or even hard.
- Some pain or itchiness in the affected area of skin.
The pressure ulcer usually develops gradually, yet can sometimes appear over just a few hours. They can develop into a blister or open wound. If the ulcer is left untreated, it can get worse and eventually reach deeper layers of your skin, muscle, or bone.
Frequent Causes of Pressure Ulcers or Bedsores
Pressure ulcers are usually the result of something putting pressure on or excessive rubbing of your skin. It can occur to anyone, but it is usually if you are having problems moving, since this means the weight of your body is constantly applying pressure to the same areas of your skin, which can result in an ulcer.
You have an increased chance of getting a pressure ulcer if you:
- You are having difficulty moving.
- If you have had a pressure ulcer before.
- If you have been seriously ill, have been in intensive care, or have had surgery recently.
- If you are underweight.
- Having swollen, sweaty, or broken skin.
- Suffering from poor circulation or fragile skin.
- You have problems feeling sensation or even pain.
Treatments for Pressure Ulcers or Bedsores
How your pressure ulcer is treated depends on how severe it actually is. Changing your position, shifting, and moving regularly is essential to help relieve the pressure on the ulcer and stop new ones from forming.
Other treatments might include:
- Specially designed mattresses or cushions.
- Dressings that will protect the ulcer and help it heal.
- Various creams and ointments.
- Prescribe antibiotics if the ulcer is infected.
- Cleaning the ulcer.
If the pressure ulcer is severe or other treatments have not been successful, you might need to have surgery to clean and close the ulcer.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Pressure Ulcers or Bedsores
If you are being treated at home, there are several things you and your care team can do to reduce your chances of developing a pressure ulcer.
- Change your position on a regular basis.
- Use specially designed mattresses or cushions.
- Examine your skin every day for any symptoms of a pressure ulcer.
- Do your best to stay active; any way possible.
- Focus on a healthy, balanced diet.
If you are being cared for at home and think you are at risk of developing pressure ulcers, you can ask your doctor for a risk assessment so your care team can create a plan to prevent them.