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Pressure Sores - Topic Overview
What are pressure sores?
A pressure sore (bed
sore) is an injury to the skin and/or the tissues under the skin. Constant
pressure on an area of skin reduces blood supply to the area. Over time, it can
cause the skin to break down and form an open sore (ulcer).
Pressure sores
are more likely to form if you or a person you are caring for is
in the hospital or is confined to a chair or bed.
Pressure sores
most often form on the skin over
bony areas where there is little cushion between the bone and the skin. Most
pressure sores form on the lower part of the body, including over the tailbone
and on the back along the spine, on the buttocks, on the hips, and on the
heels. Other common spots are the back of the head; the backs of the ears; the
shoulders, elbows, and ankles; and between the knees where the legs rub
together.
Pressure sores
can range from red areas on the surface
of the skin to severe tissue damage that goes deep into muscle and bone. These
sores are hard to treat and slow to heal. Other problems, such as
bone, blood, and
skin infections, can develop when pressure sores do
not heal properly.
What causes pressure sores?
Things that cause pressure sores include:
- Constant pressure on the skin and tissues. This is by far the most common cause of pressure sores.
- Sliding down in a bed or chair, forcing the skin to fold over itself ("shear force").
- Being pulled across bed sheets or other surfaces (friction burns).
- Irritation of the skin from things such as sweat, urine, or feces.
As we get older, our skin gets more thin and dry and less elastic, so it is easier to damage. Poor nutrition-common among older people and people who cannot move easily-makes these natural changes in the skin worse.1 Skin in this condition may easily develop a pressure sore.
How are they treated?
Treatment focuses on preventing a sore from getting worse and on making the skin healthy again. Treatment includes:
- Relieving pressure on the area by changing positions often and spreading body weight evenly with special mattresses or other support.
- Keeping the sore clean and covered, and not letting it dry out.
- Eating a healthy diet with enough protein to help the skin heal.
- Keeping healthy tissue around a pressure sore clean and dry.
- In most cases, removing dead tissue and applying medicated ointments or creams to reduce the risk of infection. Only use medicines prescribed by the doctor to treat pressure sores, and follow all instructions carefully.
If infection develops, the person will need antibiotics. Severe pressure sores may need surgery.
How can you prevent pressure sores?
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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