Pressure Sores

Pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are localized damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue that usually occur over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear and/or friction.

Causes and Risk Factors

Pressure sores are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the affected area. This can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissue. The risk factors for developing pressure sores include:

• Immobility or limited mobility
• Prolonged bed rest or sitting in a wheelchair
• Old age
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Neurological disorders, such as paralysis or spinal cord injury
• Circulatory problems, such as peripheral artery disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of pressure sores can vary depending on the stage and severity of the sore. The stages of pressure sores are:

1. Stage 1: Non-blanchable erythema, which means that the skin is red and does not turn white when pressed.
2. Stage 2: Partial-thickness skin loss, which means that the skin is broken and there is a shallow wound.
3. Stage 3: Full-thickness skin loss, which means that the skin is completely broken and there is a deep wound.
4. Stage 4: Full-thickness skin and tissue loss, which means that the wound extends through the skin and into the underlying tissue, such as muscle or bone.

Other symptoms of pressure sores may include:

• Pain or discomfort in the affected area
• Swelling or redness around the sore
• Pus or discharge from the sore
• Foul odor from the sore
• Increased temperature of the skin around the sore

Treatments

The treatment for pressure sores depends on the stage and severity of the sore. The goals of treatment are to:

• Promote wound healing
• Prevent further tissue damage
• Manage pain and discomfort
• Prevent infection

Treatment options may include:

1. Relieving pressure: Removing pressure from the affected area by changing positions regularly, using support surfaces such as mattresses or cushions, and using devices that reduce pressure on the skin.
2. Wound care: Cleaning and dressing the wound to promote healing and prevent infection. This may include debridement, which is the removal of dead tissue from the wound.
3. Pain management: Using pain medications or other interventions to manage pain and discomfort.
4. Nutrition and hydration: Ensuring that the person with a pressure sore is receiving adequate nutrition and hydration to support wound healing.
5. Antibiotics: Using antibiotics to treat infections that may develop in the wound.
6. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue or to promote wound healing.

Prevention

Preventing pressure sores is an important part of managing and treating the condition. Prevention strategies include:

• Regularly changing positions to relieve pressure on the skin
• Using support surfaces such as mattresses or cushions to reduce pressure on the skin
• Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration
• Managing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems
• Providing regular skin inspections to identify early signs of pressure sores