Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are skin injuries that develop due to friction or prolonged pressure on the skin. These sores often occur in areas where bones are close to the skin, like the heels, hips, and tailbone. Here is an overview of its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective prevention and management of bed sores.

Causes
Bed sores can have the following causes:

Pressure on the skin
Bed sores can develop when the skin experiences prolonged pressure, typically over several hours. This prolonged pressure restricts blood supply to the skin, leading to damage and, in severe cases, dead tissues, which leads to forming sores.

Friction
The rubbing of the skin against rough fabrics can also contribute to the formation of bed sores. This friction adds to the stress on the skin, making it more susceptible to injury.

Shearing force
Shear forces create a sliding movement between layers of tissue, affecting blood vessels and increasing the risk of tissue damage. These can happen due to the following reasons:

If a person has been seated or lying on a bed for a prolonged period of time, with their back being under constant pressure due to the bed or the back of the chair.
If a person uses a prosthesis or surgical appliance, it might contribute to pressure or friction.
If a person is wearing shoes or clothing that do not properly fit them, it might contribute to friction, pressure, or shear.

Symptoms
To detect bed sores, one needs to be mindful of the following signs and symptoms:

Change in the color of the skin
Darker skin may exhibit a blue or purple tint, while lighter skin may turn pink or red. If the discoloration persists for more than half an hour after relieving pressure, it could be an early sign of a bed sore.

Change in the texture of the skin
The affected area of the skin may feel either hard or spongy to the touch, indicating the formation of a sore.

The skin may feel warm to the touch
The skin over the affected area may feel unusually warm.

Open sores with pus
Bed sores may progress to open wounds with pus, and in severe cases, wounds may extend to deeper layers in tissues.

A burning or itching sensation
Individuals may experience a burning or itching sensation in the affected areas, adding to the discomfort associated with bed sores.

Infections
Untreated bed sores can lead to infections, posing additional health risks and complications.

Pus-like draining
Bed sores may exhibit pus-like drainage, indicating more severe and deeper tissue damage.

Treatments and relief options
When addressing bed sores, the following treatments and relief options can be preferred to alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

Relieving the pressure
It is essential to relieve pressure on affected areas to relieve bed sores. This involves strategically placing foam pads or pillows to provide support and reduce stress on vulnerable skin. Additionally, adopting a practice of regularly changing the body’s position is crucial, as it helps reduce the constant pressure that contributes to the development and worsening of bed sores.

Cleaning the wound
For minor sores, it is recommended to gently wash the affected areas with water and mild soap, ensuring a thorough but gentle cleaning process. When dealing with open sores, a healthcare provider may use a saline solution during each dressing change. This not only aids in keeping the wound clean but also serves as a preventative measure against infections.

Use dressings
Using appropriate dressings is important in the management of bed sores, as it serves both protective and healing purposes. Dressings are crucial in shielding the wound from further damage and infections and allowing a faster healing process.

Surgical removal of dead tissues
In certain cases of bed sores, healthcare providers may advise surgical removal of dead tissues to promote healing. This procedure typically involves using specialized techniques, such as utilizing a high-pressure water jet or surgical instruments, to remove the dead tissue.

Additional treatment options
Besides these, a healthcare provider may also prescribe a few other treatment options to prevent infections and promote healing.

Prevention methods

Frequent shifting of weight
If an individual is unable to change their position in bed by themselves, they must inform the nurse about helping them in doing so at regular intervals.

Using cushions that help relieve pressure
Choosing cushions or mattresses designed to alleviate pressure can significantly help prevent bed sores. One can utilize such cushions or mattresses to not only minimize pressure but also promote optimal body positioning.

Adjusting bed elevation
If possible, raise the head of the bed to a maximum angle of 30 degrees. This adjustment aids in minimizing shearing forces, contributing to the prevention of sores.