Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
It is defining as the ulcer and lesion developed due to the increase pressure on the skin for long period. They generally develop on the bony part of the body like ankles, hips, heels and tailbone. Bedsores mostly develop in disable people who confined to their beds or wheelchairs.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Pus in the lesion
- Changing in skin color
- Affected area may become red and warm to touch
Causes
Bedsores causes due to the increase pressure in the skin for the long period of time which impair the blood flow to the skin. Following factors may involve in the development of bedsores:
- Immobility
- Pressure
- Friction when skin rubbing against the bed sheet and clothing.
- Shear when body move in opposite direction with bedding.
Complications
Complications may include:
- Long term non healing sore have increased risk of developing into cancer.
- Cellulitis
- Bone and joint infections
- Sepsis
Diagnosis
You doctor may diagnosis the bedsore by looking at them. He/she might recommend the blood test to rule out the other causes of skin lesions.
Treatment
Treatment involve the reduce the pain by giving painkiller and clean the wound with clean wet cloth, take antibiotic to prevent the complications. Decrease the pressure at the affected area also help to cure the lesion fast. Clean the wound with antibacterial solution to prevent the infection at the wounded area.