Decubitus ulcers are also called pressure sores or bed sores. They are caused by prolonged pressure on an area that lies just over a bone. The skin over the hip, tailbone, heels and elbows is often an area of pressure sore development. The pressure may be created by an object such as a bed or wheelchair. The pressure cuts off blood circulation to the area, and the tissue in the area may die if the person's position is not changed. People who are not able to move their bodies easily, such as those suffering from an illness, disability or weakness, are most susceptible to pressure sores states California Nursing Home and Abuse Attorney Steven C. Peck.
Older people often have thinner skin, fat and muscle layers than younger people and are therefore more susceptible to pressure sores. If someone is underweight or suffering from malnutrition he or she is more likely to develop pressure sores, since there is less fat to cushion the pressure on the bone. Friction created as a body part slides over the pressure area can also cause a sore. Moisture trapped in the area of pressure (such as moisture created from incontinence or perspiration) can cause the skin to break down. Some people with diabetes have circulation problems and are more prone to pressure sores.
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