Bedsores

Being confined to a wheelchair or bed can create a host of issues that affect blood circulation and the health of your skin. Reduced blood flow to certain body parts can result in a breakdown of the skin. As a result, sores can develop.

What are Bedsores?

Bedsores (also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers) appear when the skin is damaged by insufficient blood flow. Ongoing pressure causes circulation to certain body parts to stop. The hips, buttocks, and heels are the most susceptible to bedsores. Bedsores are a common threat to people in a hospital or nursing home.

There are four stages of development for a bed sore. Stage III bedsores resemble craters, while the muscle, bones, tendons and joints are affected with a stage IV diagnosis. A medical professional should treat a bedsore that is red, tender, warm, swollen, and emits a foul odor.

Symptoms of Bedsores

Early detection of a bed sore is vital so that it doesn’t have time to get worse. Typical symptoms include itching, lesions on the skin, discomfort, and redness. Pus may form as it worsens. In later stages, you will see a small crater or blister. The joints and surrounding muscles may become painful.