What are Bed Sores, Pressure Sores also known as Decubitus Ulcers?
Bed sores are ulcers that occur on areas of the skin that are under extended periods of pressure. The pressure may be a result of lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, and/or wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck.
Bed sores can occur when a person is bedridden, unconscious, unable to sense pain, or immobile. Bed sores are ulcers that occur on areas of the skin that are under pressure from lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, and/or wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time.
Bed sores are commonly found on the tail bone area, hips, back, elbows, heels and ankles. They can become deep, extending into the muscle.
Bed sores are also called Decubitus Ulcers and Pressure Sores. indicates Los Angeles Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven C. Peck.
Can Bed Sores be Treated?
Yes. It is important to treat bed sores as soon as they appear. If left untreated, the skin can break open and become infected. The treatment will depend on the severity of the sores and may include several methods. Treatment is more difficult if the skin is broken.
Common treatments of bed sores include:
•removing pressure on the affected area
•protecting the wound with medicated gauze
•keeping the wound clean
•medication (antibiotics and pain relievers)
•antibiotic ointments
•surgical removal of dead tissue
Can bed sores be prevented?
Yes. Some of the ways to prevent bed sores are:
•good nutrition
•clean and dry linens
•frequent turning and repositioning of immobilized individuals
•providing soft padding in wheelchairs and beds to reduce pressure
•keeping the skin clean and dry
A bed sore develops when blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two to three hours. As the skin dies, the bed sore first starts as a red, painful area, which eventually turns purple and when they do and you find out that your loved one has one, please contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1.866.999.9085 to talk to an experienced California Elder Law Attorney and visit us on-line at www.premierlegal.org.
