Bedsores

What is it?

A bedsore, also known as ‘decubitus’, is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure in the same place. Normally, a person would instinctively assume a different position to reduce the local pressure. When this does not happen, underlying muscles and blood vessels can become compressed, stopping blood flow to that specific area A pressure injury then develops.

When you can no longer move (e.g. due to paralysis, illness or temporarily after surgery), the first signs of a pressure injury may appear after only 1 to 2 hours.

The first sign is redness in an area with a lot of pressure. Redness that does not turn white when pressed with a finger indicates an early stage of injury. It is important to relieve this area for a while and therefore change your position. If this is not done, the patient will experience heat, tingling and pain in that area. Next, a blister may develop. If you continue to put pressure on this area, a black spotwill develop. This indicates dead tissue, which can lead to the spot detaching after a long period, leaving a cavity behind.

The most common places on the body where bedsores can develop are the tailbone and heels. However, bedsores can occur in other areas: anywhere that the bone is close to the skin and where there is significant pressure or support is at risk for developing bedsores.

Always try to be alert for bedsores. You can prevent these injuries by moving around regularly or, if you are less mobile for shorter or longer periods, by frequently changing your posture. Use pillows to relieve the pressure on high-risk areas. Check high-risk areas regularly and report to the nurse if you have had previous bedsores.

Latest publication date: 02/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Desimpelaere Patrick