Bedsores are also known as pressure sores and pressure ulcers. These are areas of skin and tissue that are damaged from an individual putting weight on that part of the body for extended periods of time. Many individuals who are bed-ridden or in wheelchairs have these on their buttocks, hips, or sides from not being able to be moved without help. These bedsores occur because when the blood circulation is cut off from these areas, the tissue dies. These affected areas can form quite quickly and progress even faster and they may take quite some time to heal. Often times, prevention is the best way.
There are four basic stages to the symptoms and progression of bedsores. The first stage is when the area starts to hurt or itch on a regular basis. It feels warm to the touch and somewhat sponge-like or firm. Those with darker skin may have those that take on a purple shade. At this stage, they may cured quickly once the pressure is taken off. At the second stage, the area has already started to have some skin loss and it is an open sore. It may resemble an abrasion or a blister. The skin surrounding the wound is red or purple. The third stage is when the sore has reached to below the surfaces of the skin and looks like a crater. The fourth stage is when there is a large loss of skin as well as damage to the muscle and bone that are underneath. They may even extend to tendons and joints.
These sores start out with pressure being placed in the affected areas but get worse if the pressure is not relieved or if there is friction added. It can also happen when the skin moves in one direction and the bone in another which is quite painful. There are factors that place a person more at risk than others aside from those that are bed-ridden or immobilized in some fashion. These include older individuals, being in a nursing home, and not being able to feel pain as much as others thus not realizing that the sores have started. Others include malnutrition, being naturally thin or experiencing weight loss, incontinence, and smoking. There are complications that a patient may experience if these sores are not dealt with including infections, sepsis, cellulitis, and even cancer.
Although it is usually easy for a medical practitioner to spot a bedsore, they will most likely perform blood tests on the patient as well. There may also be a sample of skin taken to test it for bacteria or fungi. Those with frequent bedsores generally also have tests related to checking for cancer as a precaution.
Depending on the severity of the area, there are different treatments. Those such as changing the person’s position often and using cushions or other such surfaces can relieve the pressure. For more advanced stages, the area should be cleaned, and some of the damaged tissue removed. The area is then dressed appropriately. There may be medications and ointments given to the patient, as well as muscle spasm relief therapy if needed. In some cases, surgery is required.
