Pressure Sores

June 26, 2026 | They are a major health concern, one that can have a significant impact on an individual and their quality of life. Pressure sores, also known as bed sores or pressure ulcers, are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for too long. They commonly form where a person’s bones are close to their skin, such as the ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. Those are places with little padding from fat. A person is at risk of pressure sores if they are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are unable to change their position. Even some people with short-term illnesses and injuries can get pressure sores, particularly if they have to stay in bed or a wheelchair while they heal. Unfortunately, some chronic or long-lasting diseases make it hard for pressure sores to heal. Those include diabetes and hardening of the arteries. Pressure sores can cause serious infections, some of which can be life-threatening.

June 26, 2026 | Pressure sores or bed sores typically go through four stages. At first, the area of the sore looks red. It may feel warm to the touch. It may burn, hurt, or itch and it may look blue or purple in people who have dark skin. During the second stage, the area is more damaged. The sore may be open, making it look like a cut or blister. The sore is painful and the skin around it may be discolored. In the third stage, the sore will have a crater-like look. This is due to increased damage below the surface which makes the wound deeper. In the fourth and most serious stage, the skin and tissue are severely damaged. The sore becomes a large wound and infection is possible. You’re likely going to be able to see muscle, bones, tendons, and joints. Infected pressure sores take a long time to heal. Redness or skin that is warm to the touch, swelling around the sore and thick, yellow or green pus are all possible signs of an infected pressure sore.

June 26, 2026 | A person’s risk of getting pressure sores, also known as bed sores, increases if they have a hard time moving and can’t change position easily while seated or in bed. Their immobility may be caused by poor health, a spinal cord injury or another condition. Incontinence can make the skin more vulnerable to pressure sores. So can poor nutrition and hydration. People need enough fluids, calories, protein, vitamins and minerals every day to maintain healthy skin and stop the breakdown of tissues. Spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders and other conditions can make someone lose sensation in their skin. If they can’t feel pain or discomfort, they won’t be aware of the warning signs of a pressure sore and the need to change position. Health problems that can affect blood flow can raise the risk of tissue damage such as pressure sores. Examples of these types of medical conditions can include diabetes and vascular disease.

June 26, 2026 | The treatment of a pressure sore depends on the seriousness of the wound. If the sore is infected, you may be able to treat it by applying an antibiotic cream to the area. If bone or deeper tissues are infected, you may require antibiotics. These may be taken by mouth or IV. To avoid developing pressure sores, when in bed, change your position at least every two hours. If you’re sitting in a chair, be sure to sit upright and straight and change your position every 15 minutes. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Special mattresses, mattress covers, foam wedges, or seat cushions provide support in bed or in a chair. When in bed, avoid resting directly on your hip bone when you’re lying on your side. It can help to use pillows under one side so that your weight rests on the fatty part of your buttocks instead of on your hip bone. If you’re lying on your back, place a pillow under your lower calves to lift your ankles slightly off the bed.

June 26, 2026 | The best way to avoid pressure sores is to shift your weight frequently, every two hours if not more often. If you have enough upper body strength, do wheelchair pushups. This involves raising your body off the seat by pushing on the arms of the chair. It’s a good idea to adjust the height of your bed, but not above 30 degrees. Doing this will prevent shearing, which occurs when two surfaces move in the opposite direction. For example, when a bed is raised at the head, a person can slide down in bed. As the tailbone moves down, the skin over the bone might stay in place, pulling in the opposite direction. If you’re a caregiver for an elderly person or someone recovering from an injury, be sure to wash their skin with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Do this cleansing routine regularly to limit their skin’s exposure to moisture, urine and stool. And closely check their skin daily for any warning signs of a pressure sore.