Pressure ulcers are also called bedsores, or pressure sores. They can form when your skin and soft tissue press against a harder surface, such as a chair or bed for a prolonged time. This pressure reduces the blood supply to that area. Lack of blood supply can cause the skin tissue in this area to become damaged or die. When this happens, a pressure ulcer may form.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you or the person taking care of you to prevent and take care of pressure ulcers.
Which parts of the body are more likely to get pressure sores?
What is the best way to take care of my skin every day? What types of lotions, creams, ointments, and powders are best to use? What type of clothing is best to wear?
What type of diet is best to prevent pressure ulcers or to help them heal?
When lying in bed:
If there is leakage of stool or urine, what else should be done to prevent pressure ulcers?
If using a wheelchair:
If a pressure ulcer or sore is present:
When should the doctor or nurse be called?
What to ask your doctor about pressure ulcers; Bedsores - what to ask your doctor
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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