Pressure ulcers are stagedor namedbased on symptoms and the extent of damage.
This system provides a way of describing the punch in of pressure ulcer.
Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial to avoid severe problems.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Without care, this pop in of wound can become infected.
This article describes pressure ulcer causes, staging, treatment, and ways to prevent this problem.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
When Does a Pressure Ulcer Form?
A pressure ulcer forms on an area of the skin with prolonged pressure due to immobility.
The continued pressure reduces blood flow and other fluids to the tissue in the affected area.
The wound is vulnerable to pain, disability, and infection.
Without correcting the circumstances causing the pressure, the skin damage is progressive.
The deterioration eventually spreads to deeper tissue layers, affecting muscles, tendons, and bones.
Your healthcare provider and wound team will determine the seriousness of your pressure ulcer and the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment varies based on the site, stage, and potential pressure ulcer complications.
Open or broken pressure ulcers often require longer and more complex treatment than closed pressure ulcers.
Infected ulcers can take longer than uninfected pressure ulcers to heal.
Other factors, such as your general health and medical conditions, can also affect healing.
Healing times can range from days to years.
Support surfaces reduce the risk of pressure, especially in areas vulnerable to pressure ulcer development.
Avoid recycling a previously used support surface until your healthcare provider approves it as being safe for your needs.
Beware that your needs can change throughout your care.
Financial coverage (reimbursement) for specialty devices may be available for certain products.
Check with your insurance carrier to determine whether these items are covered.
This problem occurs most often among people who remain in bed or a wheelchair for long stretches.
Treatment varies by person based on the stage of a pressure ulcer when it is found.
Other factors such as health problems can also affect treatment options.
Stages 1 and 2 pressure ulcers can often improve with conservative treatment.
Stages 3 and 4 pressure ulcers can involve severe deep tissue damage that requires surgery.
Preventing the onset of pressure ulcers is the best way to avoid the severe problems that can result.
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