Skin Disorders Guide

What do doctors call this condition?

Decubitus ulcers

What is this condition?

Pressure sores are localized areas of damaged tissue that occur most often in the skin and tissue over bony prominences. These sores may be superficial, caused by local skin irritation, or deep, originating in underlying tissue. Deep lesions often go undetected until they penetrate the skin. By then they’ve usually caused tissue damage.

What causes them?

Pressure, particularly over bony prominences, interrupts normal circulatory function and causes most pressure sores. The severity of the sore depends on the intensity and duration of the pressure. Damage to skin and small blood vessels may eventually lead to destruction of tissue cells. In turn, dead tissue may be invaded by bacteria and become infected.

Anyone who is confined to a bed or wheelchair for a long time risks developing pressure sores. The risk is greater if movement is restricted or sensation is impaired. Pressure sores occur on those parts of the body that bear the weight of the body or rub constantly against the bedclothes. The most common sites are the elbows, knees, shoulder blades, spine, and buttocks.

Other factors that increase the risk of pressure sores include inadequate nutrition (leading to weight loss and subsequent reduction of tissue and muscle bulk), swelling, incontinence, fever, disease, and obesity.

What are the symptoms?

Early features of superficial pressure sores are shiny, red changes over the compressed area. Superficial redness progresses to small blisters or erosions and, ultimately, to necrosis (death of tissue cells) and ulceration.

An inflamed area on the skin’s surface may be the first sign of underlying damage when pressure is exerted between deep tissue and bone. Bacteria in a compressed site cause inflammation and, eventually, infection, which leads to further necrosis. A foul-smelling, pusladen discharge may seep from a lesion that penetrates the skin from beneath.

How are they diagnosed?

Pressure sores are obvious during a physical exam. In the lab, wound culture and sensitivity testing of any discharge can identifY the infecting organisms.

How are Pressure Sores Treated?

Successful Pressure Sores treatment must relieve pressure on the affected area, keep the area clean and dry, and promote healing. Antibiotics may be use to eliminate any bacterial infection.