In the United States, it’s believed that around 2.5 million people each year will develop bed sores.

The early stages of a pressure sore may include discomfort and changes in skin color and temperature.

Recognizing them quicklyand making adjustments to prevent them from worseningcan help you avoid pain and complications.

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What Are the Symptoms of Bedsores?

Stages of Bedsores

Pressure sores are categorized by stage, from mild to severe.

Risk Factors For Bedsores

Some people are more likely to develop bed sores than others.

Some of the things that increase the risk include:

What Are the Causes of Bedsores?

Pressure sores develop in areas where your weight is pressing against a surface.

Wearing a cast, splint, or prosthetic machine can also lead to pressure sores.

How Are Bedsores Diagnosed?

Pressure sore diagnosis begins with a skin examination.

Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about when the sore appeared and whether or not it hurts.

Untreated bed sores can cause serious complications, such as:

How Are Bedsores Treated?

The care you need depends on how advanced your bed sore is.

Always check with your healthcare provider to verify that yourereceiving the right treatment.

Treatments may include:

Taking care of your general health will also help pressure sores heal faster.

How Are Bedsores Prevented?

Bedsores can be prevented by ensuring the person changes position frequently, at least every two hours.

Pressure sores are common in people who are immobile due to an illness or physical disability.

They can help you to identify pressure sores before they cause any complications.

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University of Washington.Skin Care and Pressure Sores.

National Health Service.Pressure Ulcers.

Department of Social Services, State of CA.Preventing Pressure Ulcers: A Patient’s Guide.

Stransky J.Need specification statement.

2019;6(11):ofz406.

doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz406

U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.How to care for pressure sores.

2022;5(1):1-5. doi:10.30654/MJS.10016