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A pressure injury (bedsore) is an injury that happens when different kinds of force are applied to the surface of the skin. There are several stages of pressure injuries that describe the severity of the injury. It is important to avoid infection when you have a pressure injury. If the wound becomes infected, the rest of the body is at risk.
Pressure Injuries A pressure injury (also called a bedsore, pressure ulcer, pressure sore, or decubitus ulcer) is an area of injured skin. A pressure injury happens when force is applied on the surface of the skin. This force can be a constant pressure on an area of skin or a dragging (shearing) force between the skin and another surface. These injuries usually happen over bony parts of the body (hips, heels, tailbone, elbows, head and ankles). A pressure injury can become life-threatening if it advances to a deep wound or becomes infected. What are the stages of a pressure injury?There are four stages that describe the severity of the wound. These stages include:
Who is at risk for developing pressure injuries?
Pressure injuries are caused when a force is applied to the skin, causing damage to the tissue. Several types of force include:
What are the symptoms of pressure injuries?The symptoms of pressure injuries can include:
Pressure injuries are diagnosed by your healthcare provider during a physical exam.
Pressure injuries can be treated in many ways depending on the stage. Once the stage and severity of the wound is determined, it must be cleaned, usually with a saline solution. After the wound is cleaned, it needs to be kept clean, moist, and covered with an appropriate bandage. There are several different types of bandages your doctor may use to dress the wound. These include:
Sometimes debridement is needed. This is a process of ridding the wound of dead tissue. Debridement is an important part of the healing process. It changes the wound from a long-lasting (chronic) one to a short-term (acute) wound. There are several types of debridement. These methods include:
The development of pressure injuries can be prevented through careful observation of the skin and frequent repositioning in those who can’t turn themselves. Tips to prevent pressure injuries include:
If the wound becomes infected, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Several conditions that may occur if an infection spreads include:
If you suspect you have a pressure injury, speak with your doctor. A pressure injury is easier to heal if it is discovered in the early stages. It is important to prevent a wound from becoming infected. Healing is delayed in an infected wound and the infection could cause problems in other areas of the body.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/07/2018. References
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