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Bed Sores
Urgent
Bed sores, also called pressure injuries or pressure ulcers, are areas of skin and underlying tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure or pressure combined with friction and shear. They commonly develop over bony areas such as the heels, hips, tailbone, elbows, and back of the head. Early pressure injuries may cause persistent redness or discoloration, while more severe injuries can involve deeper tissue and become complicated by infection.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, require medical assessment because they can deepen and become infected. Seek prompt care for increasing redness, swelling, drainage, foul odor, worsening pain, fever, or a wound that is enlarging or becoming deeper. Emergency evaluation is needed for rapidly spreading infection, severe weakness, confusion, fainting, or other signs of serious systemic infection.
Symptoms
2
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Bed sores, also called pressure injuries or pressure ulcers, are areas of skin and underlying tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure or pressure combined with friction and shear. They commonly develop over bony areas such as the heels, hips, tailbone, elbows, and back of the head. Early pressure injuries may cause persistent redness or discoloration, while more severe injuries can involve deeper tissue and become complicated by infection.
Symptoms 2
Eye Pain
Tongue Swelling
Causes 1
Pressure injuries develop when prolonged pressure compresses tissues against a firm surface and reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery. Friction can damage the outer skin, while shear can cause deeper tissue injury when skin and underlying tissues move in different directions. Moisture, poor nutrition, reduced sensation, impaired circulation, and inability to change position can increase tissue damage and delay healing.
Chronic Disease
Risk Factors
Risk factors include limited mobility, prolonged bed or wheelchair use, older age, reduced sensation, paralysis, poor nutrition, dehydration, urinary or fecal incontinence, impaired circulation, and medical conditions that interfere with healing. People who cannot reposition themselves independently or who remain in the same position for prolonged periods are particularly vulnerable.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is usually made by examining the skin and underlying tissues and determining the location, appearance, extent, and severity of the injury. Pressure injuries are classified according to the depth and characteristics of tissue damage. Healthcare professionals may assess nutrition, circulation, sensation, mobility, and other contributing factors. Laboratory tests, imaging, or other investigations may be required when infection, bone involvement, or deeper tissue damage is suspected.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Regular repositioning and reducing prolonged pressure are central to preventing pressure injuries
Pressure-relieving mattresses, cushions, and other support surfaces may help people at increased risk
Skin should be inspected regularly, kept clean and dry, and protected from excessive moisture
Adequate nutrition and hydration, maintaining mobility when possible, and using appropriate techniques when moving or transferring a person can further reduce injury risk
Prevention Guidance
Regular repositioning and reducing prolonged pressure are central to preventing pressure injuries. Pressure-relieving mattresses, cushions, and other support surfaces may help people at increased risk. Skin should be inspected regularly, kept clean and dry, and protected from excessive moisture. Adequate nutrition and hydration, maintaining mobility when possible, and using appropriate techniques when moving or transferring a person can further reduce injury risk.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Protein-rich Foods
Support wound healing
Vitamin C Foods
Support tissue repair
Water
Maintain hydration
Foods to Avoid
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Excess Sugar
May impair healing
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Skin injuries caused by prolonged pressure.
People with limited mobility are at risk.
Yes, frequent repositioning helps prevent them.
Advanced sores can become serious infections.
Treatment includes wound care and pressure relief.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.