Bed Sores (Pressure Ulcers)
The elderly and people with decreased mobility are among those most at risk for developing bed sores or pressure ulcers. People who suffer from heart disease, diabetes, obesity, paralysis and spinal cord injuries are also susceptible. Bed sores develop when skin covering a weight-bearing part of the body becomes squeezed between bone and another hard object, such as a mattress. The prolonged pressure causes a loss of blood flow to the tissue, developing into shiny red skin that blisters and forms an open sore, which becomes infected. The infection can be fatal. Treatment involves removing dead tissue and keeping the healthy skin intact.
Recently Answered
- Q How do I manage my bed sores on a daily basis?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTalk to your doctors about the best ways for you to manage your bed sores on a daily basis so that you can help them to heal. You may need to consult multiple experts, including a dietician, primary care physician, dermatologist, and possibly a... Full Answer
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- Q Can pressure ulcers be prevented?
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Doreen Rodo, Nutrition & DieteticsYes they can. It takes some work, especially if the person lacks mobility, but it can be done. Good nutrition plays a role. It is important to eat a balanced diet with adequate protein (a 3 oz portion is equal to the size of a deck of cards). Also,... Full Answer
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- Q Does light therapy help treat pressure ulcers?
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Light therapy may increase the rate of healing and reduce the time to heal in people with pressure ulcers. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be made. You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified... Full Answer
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- Q What are bed sores?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyA bed sore, or pressure ulcer, is an injury that happens when an area of skin is exposed to pressure and friction for an extended period of time. Such pressure limits normal blood flow to the area and can cause skin to become red and tender.... Full Answer
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- Q Where on the body do pressure ulcers usually form?
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Jamie McGinn, Nutrition & DieteticsBony prominences are the most common place to develop a pressure ulcer due to lack of underlying fat and muscle tissue. These areas include the heels, ischial area (lower buttock area), sacral area (above crack of buttocks), occipital area... Full Answer
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- Q Who is most likely to get pressure ulcers?
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Jamie McGinn, Nutrition & DieteticsPeople who are at an increased risk of developing skin breakdown or a pressure ulcer include the following: Being dependent on others for mobility for any reason such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, being in a vegetative state/coma, recent surgical... Full Answer
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- Q What kind of healthcare professional should I see about my bed sores?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTreating bed sores successfully sometimes requires a team effort, so you may need to seek the advice of several different healthcare professionals. You can start with your primary care doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist, a wound... Full Answer
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- Q Where on the body are bed sores likely to occur?
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Areas that bear the most pressure, like the back of the head, the heels, hips, lower back, spine or shoulder blades are especially susceptible. Shifting positions or moving slightly to relieve pressure on these areas can help prevent bed sores. Full Answer
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- Q How easily and quickly can a bed sore begin to form on the body?
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Sores can form rapidly on those who are immobile or bedridden. Even just a few hours without movement can trigger a sore. Full Answer
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- Q How are bed sores diagnosed?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTo diagnose bed sores, doctors carefully examine the skin and consider the size and the severity of the sore. Based on these factors, doctors will usually diagnose the bed sore, or pressure ulcer, as fitting into one of four stages. About half of... Full Answer
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