Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What Is Bedsores
What Is Bedsores
Stage Features
3 Sore has broken through the skin and wound extends down to deeper layers of skin tissue
Crater-like ulcers are present
4 Sore extends past the skin and into fat, muscle and bone tissue
Blackened dead tissue called eschar may be seen in deep opened wounds
Most people with bedsores will feel some pain and itching. However, people whom have impaired
senses may not feel any pain even with severe deep sores.
Warming therapy, using radiant heat in a moist environment to maintain skin surface
temperature of 37 to 38C
Deep bedsores are very difficult to treat and often require surgical treatment to remove dead and
decaying tissue. Sometimes healthy skin may be transplanted to the damaged area. Infections need
treatment with antibiotics. In severe or life-threatening situations amputation of limbs may be
necessary.
Can bedsores be prevented?
Bedsores can be prevented with intensive nursing care. Measures to prevent bedsores include:
Special foam, fibre and gels as padding materials used on chairs and beds to relieve the
pressure on bony prominences
Prevention of bedsores is the best approach as established bedsores can be painful and life
threatening. They also lengthen hospital stays and increase medical costs dramatically.
Related information
References:
On DermNet NZ: