We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Pressure sores, or bedsores, can develop if a person spends a long time in the same position. Also known as pressure ulcers, these sores form due to lasting pressure on specific areas of the body. They can develop anywhere, but the bony parts of the elbows, knees, heels, tailbone, and ankles are often more susceptible. The sores are treatable, although full healing is not always possible. Without treatment, the sores can eventually lead to potentially fatal complications. Research from 2015 indicates that pressure sores affect 3 million people in the United States. People with mobility problems have the highest risk.
Frequently changing positions can help the sores heal and keep new ones from forming. When sores are in the early stages, people may be able to treat them at home. A healthcare professional needs to attend to more severe ulcers. Other specific measures depend on the stage of the sore. But the following are helpful overall strategies:
A person with bedsores may also benefit from:
Pressure sores develop in four stages:
An infected sore takes longer to heal. The infection can spread elsewhere in the body and cause significant harm. Tips for reducing the risk of pressure sores include:
Anyone who may have a pressure sore should notify their caregiver or a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Anyone who stays in one position for a long time is at risk of developing pressure sores. They often form in people who need help changing positions. A person who develops a pressure sore may:
These sores form when tissues and blood vessels become compressed, then distorted. This can lead to poor circulation, resulting in tissue death and infection. Sores can result from significant pressure over a short period or low pressure over a longer period. Symptoms of a pressure sore include:
Common locationsSores form in areas of pressure. A person who spends a lot of time sitting may develop sores on the:
A person in bed may develop sores on the:
The following can increase the chances that sores develop:
ComplicationsWithout treatment, pressure sores can lead to complications. One example is cellulitis, a potentially life threatening bacterial infection from the surface of the skin to its deepest layer. Cellulitis can also travel to other parts of the body and cause further complications, such as sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can lead to organ failure. Also, bone and joint infections can develop if a pressure ulcer extends to these areas. This type of infection can damage cartilage and tissue and reduce limb and joint function. It is often possible to reduce the risk of pressure sores. When a sore is at an early stage, a person can treat it at home, but more advanced pressure ulcers require professional care. It is best to take every step to prevent these sores and to treat them early if they form. Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2020 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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