Bedsores
What are bedsores?
Bedsores (or pressure sores, pressure areas or pressure ulcers) are skin ulcers that develop in people who are bedridden or cannot move by themselves. They often affect emaciated people and those who are immobilised by traction, but people with spinal cord injuries have the highest risk of developing pressure sores. They can also affect people with diabetes or some type of circulatory disorder. Incontinent people are at high risk of developing bedsores.
Areas on the skin under constant pressure first become red and painful, then purple, until open sores finally break out. These sores tend to grow, deepen, and become infected, unless pressure is minimised. Bedsores usually occur over a bony prominence such as the hips, shoulders, elbows, tailbone or heels. Since bedsores heal very slowly, special care must be taken to prevent further sores from developing.
What causes bedsores?
Continuous pressure on certain areas of the body impairs blood circulation and results in the deterioration of the skin and underlying tissues. A moving pressure on the skin such as when a person slides up and down in bed or if the bedclothes are pulled out from under them can cause friction that can result in bedsores. Poor nutrition can also be a factor in the development and healing of pressure ulcers.
What your doctor can do for you
- Prescribe medication and give advice on proper treatment.
- Recommend professional assistance for treating and preventing bedsores.
Preventing bedsores
- Keep the skin clean and dry.
- Smooth out bed sheets and tuck them tightly, leaving no creases.
- Change position at least every 2 hours. People who cannot move on their own will need help from a caregiver.
- Thorough cleansing of the skin is needed to remove perspiration, urine and faeces to prevent the breakdown of the skin and to remove bacteria that may cause bedsores.
- Support prominent bones with cushions filled with foam, gel, air or water.
- Ensure adequate nutrition — a healthy diet can help prevent skin breakdown.
Last Reviewed: 06 August 2007
