skin disorders
Pressure Sores
Introduction
Pressure sores are areas of skin damage resulting from a lack of blood flow due to prolonged pressure. Pressure sores often result from pressure combined with pulling on the skin, friction, and moisture, particularly over bony areas. The diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination. Treatment includes cleansing, reducing pressure on the affected area, special dressings, and sometimes antibiotics and/or surgery. With appropriate treatment, early-stage pressure sores often heal well. Frequent repositioning and meticulous care of the skin are the best ways to prevent pressure sores. Doctors usually refer to these as "pressure injuries" because the mildest stage (see under Symptoms ) does not have an actual sore. Pressure sores occur where there is pressure on the skin from a bed, wheelchair, cast, splint, poorly fitting artificial (prosthetic) device, or other object. The most common places pressure sores occur are where bone is close to the skin, such as over the hip bones, tailbone, heels, ankles, and elbows, but they can occur anywhere. Pressure sores lengthen the time spent in hospitals or nursing homes. They can be life threatening if they are untreated or if underlying health conditions prevent them from healing. An estimated 2.5 million people in the United States develop pressure sores each year, resulting in a significant financial burden to people and the health care system. The number of affected people is on the rise, mainly because of the aging population. Worldwide, pressure sores caused 24,400 deaths in 2019. 