A pressure ulcer is an area of skin that breaks down when something keeps rubbing or pressing against the skin.
Pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to the area. Without enough blood, the skin can die. An ulcer may form.
You are more likely to get a pressure ulcer if you:
Symptoms of a pressure ulcer are:
Pressure sores most commonly occur on the
Pressure sores are grouped by their severity. Stage I is the earliest stage. Stage IV is the worst.
If you have a pressure ulcer:
If the pressure ulcer changes or you get a new one, tell your doctor or nurse.
Call your doctor or nurse if you develop blisters or an open sore.
Call immediately if there are signs of infection. Signs include:
An infection can spread to the rest of the body and cause serious problems. Signs that the infection may have spread to the blood can include fever, weakness, and confusion.
If you are on bedrest or cannot move because of a medical condition, someone should check you for pressure sores every day.
You or your caregiver should examine your body from head to toe. Pay special attention to the areas where pressure ulcers often form. Look for reddened areas that, when pressed, do not turn white. Also look for blisters, sores, or craters.
Take the following steps to prevent pressure ulcers:
Bedsore; Decubitus ulcer
Fonder MA, Lazarus GS, Cowan DA, Aronson-Cook B, Kohli AR, Mamelak AJ. Treating the chronic wound: a practical approach to the care of nonhealing wounds and wound care dressings. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58(2):185-206.
Bluestein D, Javaheri A. Pressure ulcers: prevention, evaluation, and management. Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(10):1186-1194.
Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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