What is a Pressure Ulcer?

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A pressure ulcer, also known as a pressure sore or bedsore, is a wound caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Typical locations for pressure sores are the heels, ankles, hips, and over the tailbone. Elderly people and bed- or wheelchair-bound are at risk of developing this condition. Symptoms may include pain in the area, red or purple skin, a break in the skin, and, eventually, a wide-based sore which may get bigger over time. The diagnosis is usually easily based on the symptoms and appearance of the area of the skin. Treatment involves taking steps to avoid pressure on the area, to keep the wound healthy, and, if needed, to close the ulcer. If the wound is small, it may heal well, but large, complicated ulcers can take weeks to months to heal.

Risks

Pressure on the skin is the main cause of pressure sores. A common cause is lying on a certain part of the body for a longer time, although some people develop this condition due to something (such as a device or rough surface) rubbing repeatedly on the skin. This persistent pressure on one area causes the breakdown of the upper layers of skin. If the pressure continues, it can also cause damage to the fat and muscle layers underneath. Normally, the pressure causes discomfort long before the skin becomes damaged, and people turn or move to relieve the discomfort. This condition occurs most commonly in people who are either unaware of pressure causing discomfort, or who are unable to turn themselves to relieve the pressure. Elderly people and those people who are bed-bound are most at risk of this condition. People who have had a spinal cord injury or another neurological condition that affects movement and sensation are also at increased risk. People with conditions that affect blood circulation, such as diabetes or chronic venous insufficiency may also develop pressure sores more easily.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms include red or purple skin in the affected area, skin that is softer and thinner than the surrounding skin, a break in the skin, and an open sore with a wide base. These tend to occur in bony areas, such as over the tailbone, hips ankles, and heels, although they can occur in other areas. There may be a pain in the affected area if the affected person does not have a loss of feeling which has contributed to the formation of the sore. If there is an infection, there may be pus in the sore, or it may have an unpleasant smell.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually easily made in a person at risk based on the location and appearance of the wound. If there is any sign of infection occurring in the sore, a swab may be taken in order to identify the bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment

The treatment of pressure ulcers depends on the amount of damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Pressure damage with no broken skin and small ulcers can be healed by taking steps to avoid further pressure on the skin and allowing healing to occur. This involves frequent repositioning to spread pressure evenly over the body and using supportive surfaces, such as special mattresses or cushions. Pain relief may be required. If the wound is severe, surgical cleaning or a skin graft might be needed to repair the wound.

Prevention

People who are bed-bound should take care to turn or be turned frequently. The skin should be protected with special mattresses or cushions to relieve pressure.

Other names for pressure ulcer

• Pressure sore
• Bedsores
• Decubitus ulcers
• Pressure sores

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**Question: What is a‍ pressure ulcer?**



**Answer:** ⁤A pressure ulcer is a type of ⁤skin damage that is caused ⁤by prolonged pressure on a part ⁢of the body. This can⁤ happen when a person‌ is bedbound or sitting in a ‍wheelchair for long. People with limited movement are more likely to get pressure ulcers.



Pressure ulcers can occur anywhere on the body, , ⁤but they are most common on the following areas:



* ⁣Back

* Hips

* Tail bone

* Heels



**Symptoms of pressure ulcers**



The early stages of a pressure ulcer are often not visible. However, as the⁤ condition worsens, the following symptoms may appear:



* Redness

* Blistering

* Broken skin

* Pus

* Fever

* Increased temperature



**Causes of pressure ulcers**



Pressure ulcers are caused by ​prolonged pressure on the skin. This can occur due to a number of factors, including:



* Bed-rest

* ⁣Surgery

*​ Extended​ sitting

* Paralysis

* Coma



**Risk ​factors for pressure ulcers**



Certain people are at an ​increased risk of developing pressure ulcers,⁣ including:



* People with⁣ limited movement

* People with poor skin hygiene

* People with dry skin

* People who are overweight or malnourished



**Treatment for pressure ulcers**



The treatment for a‌ pressure ulcer will depend on the⁣ severity of the condition. In the early stages, treatment may include:



* Relieving pressure on⁣ the affected area

*⁤ Cleaning the skin around the ulcer

* Debriding (removing) dead tissue

* Using dressings to ⁣promote granulation tissue (new skin)



In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.



Weight-loss is a major and tretable risk-factore for pressure ulcers.



**Prevention of pressure ulcers**



The best way to prevent pressure ulcers is to ​relieve pressure on the skin. This can be done by:



* Regularly repositioning a person who‍ is bedbound or sitting⁢ in a wheelchair

* Using pressure-relieving devices

* Massaging the skin around‌ pressure points

* ‌Practicing good skin care



**Conclusion**



Pressure ulcers are a serious condition that can ‍be life-threating. However,⁣ they can ⁣be prevented and treated if they are caught early on.