Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are painful wounds that can happen when someone stays in one position for too long. They usually affect people who are bedridden, in wheelchairs or have trouble moving on their own.
Having bedsores is usually a sign that something is going wrong with a person’s care. But while not every case of bedsores is caused by neglect, many are. If someone isn’t getting turned often enough, if their skin isn’t being checked, or if they’re being left in wet clothes for hours, that’s a serious problem.
Especially in care homes, this can be a sign of elder abuse or neglect. In this case, you should talk to an experienced attorney for elder abuse and neglect cases.
What Actually Causes Bedsores?
Bedsores form when there’s too much pressure on one part of the skin for a long period of time. That pressure squeezes the blood vessels shut, cutting off the blood flow that keeps skin and tissue healthy. Without enough blood, the skin begins to die, and that’s when a sore forms.
These sores usually show up in places where the bone is close to the surface, like the back, hips, heels, and tailbone. That’s because there’s not much muscle or fat in those spots to cushion the pressure.
But pressure isn’t the only problem. Things like poor nutrition, dehydration, medical conditions like diabetes, and even friction from being moved the wrong way can make the skin more likely to break down. Moisture from sweat or urine also weakens the skin, making it more likely to tear or blister.
People who can’t move much on their own are most at risk. If they’re not being turned or shifted regularly, pressure builds up, and a sore can form in as little as a few hours.
What You Can Do to Prevent Bedsores
Preventing bedsores takes constant care and attention, but it’s very possible. The main goal is to keep pressure off any one area of the body for too long and to keep the skin healthy and clean.
That means making sure the person is repositioned often—ideally every two hours if they’re in bed and every 15 to 30 minutes if they’re in a wheelchair. You want to shift their weight and change their position to give the skin a break.
It also helps to use special mattresses, pads, or cushions that spread out pressure more evenly. These tools support the body and take some of the strain off the sensitive areas.
Keeping the skin dry is just as important. Sweat, urine, or any kind of moisture can make the skin break down faster. Clean the skin regularly, dry it gently, and use moisturizers to keep it from cracking. If someone has trouble with incontinence, get that managed quickly; moisture sitting on the skin for too long is a fast track to a sore.
Nutrition also plays a big role. The skin needs enough nutrients, like protein, zinc, and vitamins, to stay strong and heal properly. Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated from the inside, which helps prevent it from drying out and tearing.
And lastly, avoid friction when moving someone. Dragging them across a sheet or mattress can rub the skin raw. Use lifting techniques or special sheets to help shift their position without causing extra damage.
What to Do If a Bedsore Starts Forming
Once a bedsore starts to appear, it needs to be treated right away. Don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own. These sores can go from mild to severe fast.
The first step is to take the pressure off the area immediately. Reposition the person and avoid putting any weight on that spot. Then, clean the sore gently with mild soap and water or a wound cleanser. Don’t scrub because it can make things worse.
Cover the sore with a clean dressing to protect it and help it heal. Depending on how deep the wound is, a doctor or nurse might need to clean out dead tissue or apply special treatments. Pain management is important, too, because these wounds can be extremely painful.
If there’s any sign of infection, such as pus, swelling, a bad smell, or a fever, it’s time to get medical help right away. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue or close the wound.
Good care doesn’t stop at cleaning the sore. The person will also need to be repositioned more often, have their nutrition checked, and have their skin watched closely to prevent other sores from forming.
