A bedsore is a normal and preventable illness that affects people who remain for much time in the same position without moving. This sickness is also known as Decubitus Ulcer and Pressure Ulcer. The most exposed people that may suffer it are those who are bedridden and people who must be on a wheelchair. This is because some parts of the body have repeated pressure and this frequent pressure causes a lack of circulation; that is why bedsores are known as ulcers.
Blood vessels have the responsibility of transporting blood around the whole body. Doctors say that when there is an invariable pressure against the skin, it produces an overload of nutrients and oxygen for a long period of time. When this occurs, the tissues fail and ulcers appear. Some parts of the body that are most probable to suffer a bedsore are the spine, coccyx, hips, buttocks, heels and elbows. For someone who is totally bed bound, the scalp at the back of the head is an area very exposed.
Bedsores may be formed in just two hours! This is why it is recommended that patients in bed must be repositioned every two hours. Some things that may produce the creation of an ulcer are to remain sitting in the same position (people in wheelchairs), incapacity to move your body by yourself, poor diet, decreased rational consciousness, decreased corporal feeling and wounds.
Bedsores also present in different stages. Stage one is characterized by discoloration of the skin. In this phase the lesion is considered "on the surface", at this moment it is suggested to give an insistent treatment to avoid the growing of the wound. In the second stage, the skin is blistered and has possibilities to be broken or unbroken; it is important to keep hydrated, keep a good diet. In the third stage the wound is open and may extend to all the layers of the skin. It is important to try to avoid infection as well as keeping a good hydration and a good diet. The last stage is when the wound may cause a life threatening contamination. This is because at this phase the wound has entered into all the layers of the skin and attacks the muscles, tendons and bones. Again, hydration and nutrition is particularly important at this phase.
If you suspect that you or someone that you know may suffer from this terrible disease, visit your doctor and ask about how to prevent it. However, if you or someone you know is suffering this illness because of medical malpractice or negligence in a nursing home, contact your attorney and ask him/her about the possibilities to make a claim and be compensated for the injuries caused.