What are Bedsores?

Bedsores occur when pressure is put on the skin for a prolonged period of time. They often develop in places where the body makes contact with some kind of surface, such as a bed or chair. Some common injury sites include the heels, hips, buttocks, shoulders, elbow, and the back of the head.

There are four stages of Bed Sores:

• Stage 1 – The skin is red and painful, but not open. The area around the sore often feels warmer and a little swollen.
• Stage 2 – The skin is open, usually red or pink,forming a shallow ulcer or a wound. The wound may also blister. The Bedsore penetrates deeper than the surface, affecting more layers of the skin.
• Stage 3 – The ulcer or wound area expands even further, and affects the tissue beneath the skin.
• Stage 4 – The ulcer depth reaches the bone and muscle. These Bedsores are highly susceptible to more severe infections and medical complications.

Most Bedsores that people experience are either stage 1 or 2, but more severe can develop if left untreated. The absolute best way to treat an existing Bedsore is to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare professionals will assess the wound and determine the best course of action for recovery.

Preventing Bedsores

The good news about Bedsores is that there is a lot that can be done to help prevent them. A few simple practices can help keep them from ever becoming a problem, so try to integrate these as part of your normal care routine.

• Change Position – Bedsores occur as a result of too much pressure in a single spot, so relieving that pressure is key. The easiest way to do it is simply by changing positions. Move the body so that pressure does not build in a single place for too long, and give the body plenty of time to recover before moving back to a previous position. For the best protection, shift position multiple times per day.
• Use Soft Barriers – Changing position sometimes may be difficult (for example, when sleeping), so a great alternative is to use very soft barriers as a way to absorb some of the pressure. Pillows are an excellent choice. Use pillows to prop up areas where pressure may build, such as the head, the heels, and back.
• Keep the Skin Dry – Moisture plays a big role in skin irritation and breakdown, so keeping it nice and dry will go a long way to preventing Bedsores. Make sure that sweat and other liquids are gently wiped away from the body.
• Stay Moving – Motion can help keep Bedsores from developing, so if possible, perform little movements throughout the day. They don’t need to be strenuous; just try to reach a full range of motion so that pressure is relieved.