Pressure Sores (Pressure Ulcers, Bed Sores, Decubitus Ulcers)

Immobility, such as being bed- or chair-boundSensory lossPoor nutritionIncontinence , or leakage of urine or stool Advanced age Chronic or complex medical problems, such as: AnemiaInfectionPoor circulationNeuropathyDementiaCancerDiabetesStroke Spinal cord injury or paralysisBone fractureSwelling or water retentionDry skinFever Symptoms Symptoms of a pressure ulcer may include: Skin tissue that feels firm or boggyLocal redness, warmth, tenderness, or swellingReddish or purplish skin discoloration, often over a bony areaPain or itching of the skinBlistering, sores, skin breakdown, or drainage If the redness remains a half hour after the pressure has been removed, the skin will likely break down. The reddened area may blister and a shallow ulcer may develop. Fluid may drain. The wound can deepen and can extend through fat and muscle to the bone. The area may be painful. The wound can become infected, with redness, swelling, odor, pus, warmth, and fever. If untreated, the infection can progress to gangrene , a blood infection, or an infection of the bone beneath. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will examine the ulcer and note the location, shape, size, depth, stage, and any formation of pockets or cavities. Pressure sores are staged according to the depth and tissues that are involved.

Tests may include: Wound culturetaking a sample of material from a sore to be tested for bacteriaBlood teststo check for infection and nutritional statusX-ray or bone scan if bone infection is suspected TreatmentTreatment aims to relieve pressure on the area, heal the wound, avoid complications, and prevent future pressure sores. In many cases, a caregiver will provide care for your pressure sores.Treatment includes: PositioningAvoid placing any weight or pressure on the wound.Change position at least every two hours, around the clock.Maintain good body alignment.Make sure bedclothes are clean and without wrinkles.If needed, use a special mattress.Use a lift sheet to move the patient rather than pulling the bedsheet or the patient. HygieneClean soiled skin after each bowel movement and urination. Wash with mild soap and warm water. Rinse well. Pat dry. Do not rub. Apply lotion as recommended by the doctor. Wound Care A nurse or doctor will teach you or your caregiver how to tend to the wound. Some basic instructions include: Clean the sore, remove dead tissue, and apply a dressing.Do not put anything else on the ulcer.Wash hands before and after performing wound care.Clean the wound every time the bandage is changed.You may need to take pain medication a half hour or hour before dressing changes. NutritionEat a well-balanced meal. Your doctor may recommend vitamins, minerals, or supplements.

Surgery and Other ProceduresThe doctor may surgically remove dead tissue and skin grafts may be needed. In some situations, electrotherapy may be used to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. Prevention Most pressure ulcers can be prevented. Suggestions include: Repositioning Change position in bed at least every 2 hours or, in a wheelchair, at least hourly. If able to move yourself, shift position every 15 minutes.Maintain good body alignment.To prevent sliding, do not elevate the head of the bed greater than 30. Discuss the bed elevation with your doctor in case this is contraindicated because of risk of difficulty breathing, choking, or aspiration.Find a sitting or lying position that is 30 toward one side or the other, but not squarely on the hip.Place a pillow under calves to keep the heels off the mattress.Place a pillow between the knees.Do not use donut-ring cushions, which can cut off circulation.Use a special bed mattress or wheelchair cushion.Wear special pads to protect skin that is resting against braces and other devices. When moving someone, lift rather than drag. Use assistive devices, such as transfer boards and mechanical lifts.Try placing a sheepskin under a body part to decrease friction.Keep the skin clean and dry.Do not massage bony areas.If incontinent, use a protective cream on skin that may come in contact with urine or stool. Frequently check the patient, and do not let feces or urine remain for extended periods of timeCheck the skin at least daily for signs of pressure problems.Keep sheets clean and free of wrinklesMaintain good nutrition. RESOURCES:

Familydoctor.orghttp://familydoctor.org National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panelhttp://www.npuap.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Family Physicianhttp://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/ Health Canadahttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html References: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/ . Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000. Conn's Current Therapy 2001. 53rd ed. WB Saunders Company; 2001. Practice of Geriatrics. 3rd ed. WB Saunders Company; 1998. Primary Care Medicine. 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000. Last reviewed December 2007 by Ross Zeltser, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.