Bedsore

Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores, are lesions caused by unrelieved pressure on soft tissues overlying a bony prominence which reduces or completely obstructs the blood flow to the superficial tissues. Most commonly this will be the sacrum or the hips, but other sites such as the elbows, knees, ankles or the back of the cranium can be affected. It is widely believed that other factors can influence the occurrence and dev... More

Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores, are lesions caused by unrelieved pressure on soft tissues overlying a bony prominence which reduces or completely obstructs the blood flow to the superficial tissues. Most commonly this will be the sacrum or the hips, but other sites such as the elbows, knees, ankles or the back of the cranium can be affected. It is widely believed that other factors can influence the occurrence and development of pressure ulcers. Among these are friction and shearing forces applied to the affected skin when the person is moved, humidity caused by sweating or incontinence, the age of the person which may reflect their healing ability, other ongoing medical conditions (such as diabetes or infection) or medication which may affect the person's cardio-circulatory system or their ability to move easily in bed or in a wheelchair. Although often prevented and treatable if found early, they can be very difficult to prevent in frail elderly patients...

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