Pressure Sores

Also called: Bed sores, Decubitus ulcers, Pressure ulcers
Pressure sores are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for too long. They commonly form where your bones are close to your skin, such as your ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. You are at risk if you are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are unable to change your position. Pressure sores can cause serious infections, some of which are life-threatening. They can be a problem for people in nursing homes.
You can prevent the sores by
Keeping skin clean and dry
Changing position every two hours
Using pillows and products that relieve pressure
Pressure sores have a variety of treatments. Advanced sores are slow to heal, so early treatment is best.
Start Here
JAMA Patient Page: Pressure Ulcers(American Medical Association)
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Pressure Sores(American Academy of Family Physicians)
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Overviews
Bedsores (Pressure Sores)(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Treatment
Skin (Pressure) Sores(American Cancer Society)
Taking Care of Pressure Sores(University of Washington, Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine)
Specific Conditions
Lower Extremity Ulcers(Cleveland Clinic Foundation)
Pictures & Photographs
Bedsore (Decubitus Ulcer)(Logical Images) Return to top
Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov: Pressure Ulcer(National Institutes of Health) Return to top
Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Article: Pressure ulcer preventive device use among elderly patients early in...
Article: Characteristics of recurrent pressure ulcers in veterans with spinal cord...
Article: A systematic review of therapeutic interventions for pressure ulcers after...
Pressure Sores -- see more articles Return to top
Medical Encyclopedia
Pressure Sores Return to top
Directories
Find a Dermatologist(American Academy of Dermatology) Return to top
Organizations
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Also available in SpanishReturn to top
Statistics
Pressure Ulcers Among Nursing Home Residents: United States, 2004(National Center for Health Statistics) Return to top
Seniors
Pressure Ulcers (Bed Sores)(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) Return to top
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Date last updated: 18 March 2009 Topic last reviewed: 06 November 2008