If you are elderly, have limited mobility or are bedridden, then you are at risk for the development of pressure ulcers. A pressure ulcer is also known as a bed sore, decubitus ulcers or pressure sores. They occur from lying in one spot for too long without shifting your weight.

Pressure ulcers are a common affliction for many people including those with limited mobility, patients with diabetes,  patients with muscculosketal and neurologic weakness after a stroke or from trauma, and patients who have urinary and bowel incontinence. These are the people who are most at risk for developing pressure ulcers. 

There are four main descriptive phases of pressure ulcers. Phase I is reddened skin. Phase II ulcers contain blister formation.  Phase III ulcers are characterized by  an open sore from where the blister has ruptured. Phase IV ulcers contain a crater that has obvious signs of dead tissue and infection. The treatment options for a diabetic or a pressure ulcer are fairly standard.

The first step is to reduce the pressure placed on the area. A pressure ulcer is most often found in areas of boney prominences such as the elbows, feet and back. Next, the treatment for this disease used will depend on the stage of development.  It is important to help tha affected patient change positions frequently in order to reduce the pressure on the localized area and the entire body needs to be checked daily to make sure that no new areas of redness or ulcerations are developing. Keeping the area clean and free of dead tissue is very important.  This will reduce the risk of infection  due to the pressure ulcers. If there is any foul smell, redness and tenderness, or the area around the ulcer is inflamed, then you need to seek medical attention immediately. These signs of redness, foul smelling areas, and tenderness, suggest that  the wound is infected and can seriously endanger your health.

You can help prevent the development of pressure ulcers from happening to you or a loved one by knowing the signs and phases of a pressure ulcer.  As always, early detection and appropriate medical treatment is the best approach to improving the qualilty of the life of the person with pressure ulcers.