Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or injuries, are localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure. They commonly affect areas over bony prominences. Preventing and properly treating bedsores is crucial for those at risk.

Who's at Risk? 

Those at increased risk include:

• Elderly patients, especially with limited mobility
• Individuals with neurological conditions like paralysis, stroke
• People using wheelchairs or otherwise immobilized
• Patients on bedrest or using medical devices like casts, braces

Stages of Bedsores 

Bedsores are clinically staged from 1 to 4 based on severity:

Stage 1 - Intact skin with non-blanchable redness

Stage 2 - Partial thickness skin loss, abrasion, blister

Stage 3 - Full thickness loss, fat visible, crater-like wound

Stage 4 - Extensive damage through fat, muscle, bone

 

Higher stage indicates deeper tissue damage.

Complications 

Potential complications of bedsores include:

• Infection - bacteria enter through open wounds
• Osteomyelitis - bone infection
• Sepsis - body-wide systemic infection
• Cellulitis - bacterial skin infection
• Squamous cell carcinoma - skin cancer

Prevention is key to avoid complications.

Statistics on Bedsores 

• Over 2.5 million people in the US develop bedsores each year
• 60,000 hospital deaths per year are associated with bedsores
• Treatment costs can exceed $70,000 per pressure ulcer
• Lawsuits related to pressure ulcers total $2.2 billion annually

Preventing Bedsores 

• Change positions at least every 2 hours if confined to bed
• Use pressure redistribution devices
• special mattresses, cushions
• Keep skin clean and dry, use moisture barriers
• Check skin daily, especially over bony areas
• Optimize nutrition and hydration

Treating Bedsores 

• Relieve pressure by frequently turning and repositioning
• Debride dead tissue, keep wound clean
• Select appropriate wound dressings to promote healing
• Manage infection with antibiotics if present
• Consider advanced therapies
• electrical stimulation, grafts

Preventing and promptly treating bedsores improves outcomes and quality of life. Consult a wound care specialist at any sign of skin breakdown.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only, not medical advice. Discuss prevention and treatment with your health provider.

References 

Edsberg, L. E., Black, J. M., Goldberg, M., McNichol, L., Moore, L., & Sieggreen, M. (2016). Revised National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel pressure injury staging system: Revised pressure injury staging system. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 43(6), 585-597.

https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000281

Padula, W. V., Delarmente, B. A., Messer, M. A., Murphy, J. D., Eisenhauer, C. M., & Mishra, M. K. (2019). Preventing pressure injuries among hospitalized patients: The pressure ulcer prevention study. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 34(3), 205–212.

https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000384

Schluer, A. B. (2017). Pressure ulcers: Impact and evidence-based management. Geriatric Nursing, 38(6), 512-514.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2017.08.003

Zuo, X. L., & Meng, F. J. (2015). A care bundle for pressure ulcer treatment in intensive care units. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 2(4), 340-347.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2015.10.008

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