Pressure Sores, how to spot and treat them

What is a Pressure Sore?

Pressure sores, also called 'bedsores' or 'pressure ulcers', occur when an area of skin is placed under pressure for a short period of time. They can also develop when lighter pressure is applied for a longer period of time. The pressure disrupts blood flow to the skin, which becomes starved of oxygen and nutrients, causing it to break down. If left untreated, pressure sore's can progress from a small, discoloured patch of skin to open wounds, even exposing the muscle and bone beneath...

Spotting a Pressure Sore

Pressure sores can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on bony areas such as the heels, elbows, hips and tailbone. People who have difficulty moving, or are bed bound due to illness or injury are more at risk of developing pressure sores. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering with a pressure sore, it's important to contact your GP and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The symptoms of a Stage 1 Pressure Sore include:

• Discoloured patch of skin that doesn't blanch (briefly lose colour) when pressed.

• A patch of skin that feels warm, spongy or hard.

• Pain or itchiness in or around the area.

The symptoms of a Stage 2 Pressure Sore include:

• A shallow, crater-like wound or blister containing yellow or clear fluid.

• Pain, irritation or itchiness in or around the affected area.

• Signs of infection such as warmth, swelling and cracks in the skin.

The symptoms of a Stage 3 Pressure Sore include:

• A deep cavity-like wound.

• Full thickness skin loss and damage to the underlying tissue.

Stage 3 pressure sores pose a high risk of infection and can take months to heal from.

The Symptoms of a Stage 4 Pressure Sore include:

• A large open wound exposing the tissue and/or bone.

• Swelling and red edges around the sore.

• Hot skin, pus and a foul odour.

• Fever and extreme pain.

A stage 4 pressure sore is characterised by full thickness skin loss, severe tissue necrosis, damage to muscle, bone and supporting structures (tendons or joint capsule). People with this type of pressure sore are at a high risk of developing a life-threatening infection and must seek medical attention immediately.

Treating Pressure Sores

The first step in treating a pressure sore is to reduce the pressure that caused it. This can be done by changing positions regularly, and using specially made mattresses and pillows that are designed to protect vulnerable skin. If the skin hasn't broken, the sore can be treated with over-the-counter lotions or gels. For open sores, the wound is cleaned with a saline (salt water) solution, and treated with a medicated cream prescribed by the patients GP. A bandage, or combination of dressings may also be used to cover the wounds, encouraging healing and preventing infections.

Depending on the severity of the wound, a medical professional may want to remove the damaged tissue by flushing the wound with water or cutting it away. This is known as debriding. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers may also be prescribed, and a healthy diet along with some gentle exercise promotes wound healing.

Preventing Pressure Sores

Pressure sores can begin to appear within just a few hours of inactivity, and so to prevent them from forming it's important to move around and change your position regularly. Setting alarms to remind you to do this may help. A healthy diet and keeping hydrated will also promote healthy functioning of the body, and aid healing should a pressure sore occur.

If you have concerns that you or someone you know may be suffering with a pressure sore, it's important to check in with your GP as soon as possible.