Treatment of pressure ulcers

A type of wound that results from tissue hypoxia (e.g. skin, muscles, mucous membranes, bones) caused by prolonged pressure on the soft mass.

Additional factors that may stimulate the development of pressure ulcers are friction of blood vessels directly under the skin and detachment of the skin from deeper tissues (e.g. when changing position). Pressure ulcers most often develop on the skin around large bones, such as on the heels, elbows, knees, ankles, buttocks and sacrum. Pressure ulcers re prone to infection and may lead to sepsis (blood poisoning).

Bedsores are most likely to occur in bedridden patients who do not move themselves.

In order to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, frequent repositioning should be performed with patients lying down. Pressure ulcers are more common in older patients – many chronic diseases impair oxygen transport to the skin (e.g diabetes).