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What are bedsores?

On Behalf of | May 16, 2019 | Nursing Home Injuries |

You expect New York nursing homes to provide the best care possible. This is especially important for people with limited mobility, who must be helped in and out of bed to ensure they don’t injure themselves. Bedsores are a significant concern in this case, as these injuries can be quite severe for older people and those with compromised immune systems. The Mayo Clinic explains more about bedsores and why they happen. 

Bedsores occur when an area of the skin is subject to pressure over an extended period of time. This stops blood from flowing properly to the area and when combined with other factors can lead to a sore that never properly heals. Along with pressure, there are two other factors that contribute to the development of bedsores. Shearing happens when the skin is pulled in the opposite direction, which is common when a person moves around a bed. Friction is another serious issue. This happens when fabric, such as clothing or bedding, moves against the skin. 

Bedsores usually occur over the bone. As a result, they commonly form over specific areas of the body. These include the shoulder blades, tail bone, hips, ankles, spine, and back of the head. They can be identified by swelling, discolored areas of the skin, tenderness, abnormal skin texture, and accumulation of pus. In serious cases, the sore can extend deep into the skin and may even reach the bone. 

With the right care, bedsores can easily be prevented. The skin should be kept clean and dry at all times and should be inspected on a daily basis to ensure no sores are developing. A person who is bedridden or immobilized should be moved at least once an hour, which prevents pressure from increasing. If a sore is already present, seek out a doctor’s assistance immediately. 

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