Bedsores, known professionally as pressure ulcers, are reddened, sensitive spots on the skin caused by excessive pressure. The result is a spot that varies from superficial to deep and painful. The wounds develop mostly on bedridden patients of all ages in Maryland. There are different stages at which bedsores develop that are important to know about.
Stages of development
During the first stage that bedsores develop, the area is red, thin and slightly sensitive to touch. The sore is superficial and has not penetrated too deeply into the skin. A stage two sore looks like a severe blister or open sore. At stages three and four, the areas are severely damaged, have penetrated several layers of the skin and may lead to infections.
Causes of a worsening condition
Constant rubbing of the skin against the mattress will break down skin that is already thin and damaged. In cases of moisture lesions, the constant presence of moisture creates wounds. Another problem is remaining stagnant on the bed for days at a time, which causes the skin to become imprinted into the mattress and wear down.
To prevent more damage, patients and nurses are encouraged to keep the skin, sheets and mattress clean and dry at all times. Nurses are recommended to overturn patients every few hours or at least once a day.
How sores grow from bad to worse
Bedsores happen to bedridden individuals in long-term care facilities and private homes. The sores develop in four stages and vary from minor and barely noticeable to serious and life-threatening. The main cause is excessive friction. In every situation, there are preventative solutions to prevent the condition from getting any worse than necessary.
