A bed sore often results from pressure cutting off the circulation to one area of the body and can result in an opening in the epidermis that can cause permanent damage. Bedridden persons can suffer from bed sores on areas of the body like hips, heels, and the buttocks where skin is in constant contact with the bed.

Stages

There are four stages of a bed sore, also called pressure sores or ulcers. In stage I the sore starts as a red spot that can itch or cause minor pain but often dissipates when the pressure is relieved. Stage II is highlighted by the loss of skin, and adjoining tissue can appear red or purple. Stage III is reached when tissue below the skin has been damaged, and the sore takes on the appearance of an open hole. Stage IV arises when the structures beneath the skin, including muscle, bone, and tendons are effected.

Risk Factors

As the human body ages, the skin becomes thinner, making a person more susceptible to pressure sores. Poor nutrition can exacerbate a pressure sore and prevent quick healing. Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities have a possibility of developing bed sores if points under pressure are not consistently relieved. Other risk factors include lack of pain perception, natural thinness, incontinence, smoking, and decrease mental faculties.

Treatment

Stage I and II sores can often heal after the pressure is relieved, but Stage III and IV sores often require surgery to heal. Cleaning Stage I sores with saline solution can help facilitate the healing process. Keeping the sores covered with sterile dressing and using hydrotherapy, which is the therapeutic treament or prevention of disease using water--including saunas, sitz baths, steam baths--and using hot or cold compresses, can often speed the healing process. Other treatments include taking oral antibiotics and eating a diet rich in protein, vitamin C, and zinc.

Occurrence

Bed sores have been around for a long time. They've shown up on autopsies on Egyptian mummies. Recent studies have shown that 3 to 10 percent of hospitalized patients suffer from bed sores. Patients over 70 years old account for two thirds of pressure sores.

Prevention

A simple method of preventing a bed sore from developing includes lying on your side at a 30 degree angle. Use pillows or pads to keep your ankles and calves from resting directly on the bed, and don't raise the head of the bed higher than 30 degrees if you are restricted to bed rest. Place pillows or foam wedges under your hips to help reduce pressure.

Source:

Emedicine

Mayo Clinic

Bedcheck Glossary