What Are Bedsores?

Bedsores are painful, red patches on the body that develop if too much pressure is put on an area for an extended period of time. If left untreated, the skin can open and deteriorate, leaving a huge crater or hole in the affected area. People who are bedridden or are in wheelchairs are at a higher risk for developing it because they are unable to move as frequently.

Causes

• Bedsores are caused when continuous pressure is applied to an area of the skin, cutting off its blood supply. According to the University of Virginia, this creates a bedsore after two to three hours, causing the skin to die. This usually occurs if a person lies in bed, wears a cast or sits in a wheelchair for too long without changing position.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a beginning bedsore include a red patch of skin that does not go away. It might feel warm or itchy. If pressed on, the skin does not turn white. Advanced bed sores can turn into open sores with swelling and discoloration (see Reference 3).

  If there is an infection, the sore might excrete pus that smells. It is sometimes accompanied by a fever (see Reference 2).

Stages

• Bed sores are classified in four stages. Stage I is characterized by red, warm or itchy skin. It usually look blue or purple on people with darker skin, such as Hispanics or people of African descent.

  Stage II is characterized by skin loss from the top layers. It should look like an open sore, blister or abrasion with discoloration around its edges.

  Stage III is characterized by moderate skin loss, extending to the tissues below the skin. It is a deep wound that resembles a crater.

  Stage IV bedsores are characterized by skin and tissue loss that extends to the muscle, bone, tendons or joints. Bones or muscles are visible from the open sore. (see Reference 3).

Treatment

• Stage I bedsores are cleaned with water and mild soap to keep it clean and free of infection. Open sores that have advanced past stage I are cleaned with a saline solution and bandaged to prevent infection and further irritation.

  Treatment also involves removing damaged, infected or dead skin tissue, which allows the bedsore to heal properly. This is done surgically through a process called surgical debridement, which uses a scalpel to remove the tissue. Oral antibiotics and skeletal muscle relaxants are also prescribed to reduce infection and encourage healing.

  Surgeons also perform reconstructive surgery to lessen the appearance of deep or crater-like bedsores. A pad of muscle or skin tissue is placed over the wound to cover the hole or wound, making it look less severe or noticeable. (see Reference 3).

Prevention

• According to EverydayHealth.com, bed sores are prevented by reducing pressure and friction on pressure points, such as the buttocks and arms. Changing bed positions every two hours, placing pillows under the arms, legs, hips or buttocks and resting on a sheepskin, water or foam mattress helps relieve pressure. Caretakers can prevent bedsores by lifting the person off the bed, being careful not to drag the person's limbs to prevent irritation. The bed or resting area should be free of particles or crumbs, which can also irritate the skin. Elbow pads and sheepskin boots also help cushion vulnerable pressure points.

  Other preventative measures include exercising daily, eating a diet rich in protein, calcium, zinc, vitamins C and E and keeping the skin dry and clean. Dry, clean skin reduces the risk of developing bedsores.