Bedsore (patient information): Difference between revisions
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*Individuals with a mental condition that may affect mobility (i.e. [[Alzheimer's]]) | *Individuals with a mental condition that may affect mobility (i.e. [[Alzheimer's]]) | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | |||
Contact your health care provider if an area of the skin blisters or forms an open sore. Contact the provider immediately if there are any signs of an infection. An infection can spread to the rest of the body and cause serious problems. Signs of an infected ulcer include: | |||
* A foul odor from the ulcer | |||
* Redness and tenderness around the ulcer | |||
* Skin close to the ulcer is warm and swollen | |||
Fever, weakness, and confusion are signs that the infection may have spread to the blood or elsewhere in the body. | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Revision as of 17:42, 8 August 2011
Bedsore |
(Condition) On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Meagan Doherty
Overview
A Bedsore is a area of skin that becomes damaged and breaks down. Ultimately, this damaged area of skin forms an open sore. Bedsore's are caused by constant pressure on certain areas of skin usually as a result of being immobile for too long (i.e. sitting or lying in one position without moving.)
What are the symptoms of Bedsore?
The symptoms of a Bedsore depend on how severe it is. Bedsores are classified in the following stages. Stage I (earliest signs) and Stage IV (worst):
- Stage I: A reddened area on the skin that, when pressed, does not turn white. This indicates that a pressure ulcer is starting to develop.
- Stage II: The skin blisters or forms an open sore. The area around the sore may be red and irritated.
- Stage III: The skin breakdown now looks like a crater. There is damage to the tissue below the skin.
- Stage IV: The pressure ulcer has become so deep that there is damage to the muscle and bone, and sometimes to tendons and joints.
Who is at highest risk?
People at the highest risk for developing a Bedsore include:
- Individuals who are bedridden
- Individuals bound to a wheelchair
- Malnourishment
- Risk increases with age
- Individuals with a injury or disease that may limit mobility (i.e. spinal cord injury)
- Individuals with a condition that may inhibit blood flow to certain areas of the body (i.e. diabetes)
- Individuals with urinary or bowel incontinence
- Individuals with a mental condition that may affect mobility (i.e. Alzheimer's)
When to seek urgent medical care?
Contact your health care provider if an area of the skin blisters or forms an open sore. Contact the provider immediately if there are any signs of an infection. An infection can spread to the rest of the body and cause serious problems. Signs of an infected ulcer include:
- A foul odor from the ulcer
- Redness and tenderness around the ulcer
- Skin close to the ulcer is warm and swollen
Fever, weakness, and confusion are signs that the infection may have spread to the blood or elsewhere in the body.
Diagnosis
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Bedsore?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition