Pressure Ulcers

Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are open wounds that occur when prolonged pressure cuts off circulation to a particular area of skin and underlying tissue. Bedsore wounds often develop on patients who sit or lie in the same position for extended periods. When left untreated, pressure ulcers can grow progressively worse over time and lead to serious complications.

What Causes Pressure Ulcers?

Pressure ulcers develop when pressure prevents circulation to your skin and underlying tissues. If blood flow to an area of your body is decreased for too long, the skin and tissues become damaged and may eventually open up, creating an open wound.

Pressure ulcers commonly occur on raised bones throughout your body, such as your:

• Tailbone
• Hips
• Heels
• Ankles
• Elbows
• Shoulder blades
• Back of your head

Can Pressure Sores Be Caused by Other Factors?

Pressure sores can also result from friction, shear forces, excessive moisture, poor nutrition, and other medical issues affecting your circulation and overall healing ability.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Pressure Ulcers?

Patients who are unable to change positions independently for any length of time, such as those who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair, are most susceptible to pressure ulcers. Recovery from surgery or injury can also increase your risk of bedsore development.

Other factors that can increase your risk include:

• Age
• Diabetes
• Poor blood flow
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neurological disorders
• Poor nutrition
• Dehydration
• Incontinence

The longer pressure is applied to an area of your body, the more likely you are to sustain tissue damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Pressure Ulcers?

Pressure ulcers can vary in severity from minor skin irritation to deep wounds that damage muscle and bone. Recognizing the symptoms is key, since pressure ulcers are easier to treat when caught early on.

Symptoms of pressure ulcers include:

• Redness or discoloration that does not go away when pressure is relieved
• Skin that feels hotter or cooler than surrounding areas
• Tenderness or pain
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Open wounds or sores
• Drainage
• Blackened or damaged tissue

How Do Pressure Ulcers Progress if Left Untreated?

As pressure ulcers develop, they typically become worse. Large pressure wounds can grow deeper into affected tissues, making them more painful and harder to heal.

Why Should Pressure Ulcers Be Treated Right Away?

Pressure ulcers can quickly worsen when pressure isn’t relieved and wounds aren’t cared for properly. Leaving pressure ulcers untreated allows bacteria to enter your body through open wounds and increase your risk of infection. Infection can spread to deeper tissues if your pressure ulcer is left untreated.

Early treatment of pressure ulcers can prevent further injury and improve your comfort while you heal. Wound care specialists can also help you identify factors that may be preventing your wound from healing properly.

How Can Pressure Ulcers Be Treated?

At SMC Physicians, customized treatment plans will be designed based on your wound’s severity and your overall health. Our doctors aim to relieve pressure affecting your skin, promote healing, prevent infection, and address other conditions that may be contributing to your wound.

Pressure ulcer treatment may include:

• Advanced wound dressings
• Debridement
• Infection control
• Pressure relief
• Specialized support surfaces
• Nutritional support
• Advanced therapies to promote wound healing
• Wound monitoring

Patients with pressure ulcers often benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to wound care.

Can Pressure Ulcers Be Prevented?

Many pressure ulcers can be avoided by taking preventative measures to reduce pressure. Patients who are unable to change positions independently should have their skin checked regularly for signs of pressure sores. Pressure-relieving devices can also reduce stress on susceptible areas of skin.

Other prevention measures include:

• Repositioning regularly
• Proper skin care
• Maintaining good nutrition and hydration
• Managing chronic medical conditions
• Using specialized mattresses or cushions
• Checking areas of your body that are at high risk for bedsore development

Preventative care is critical for patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility. Patients with chronic health conditions may also benefit from preventative wound care.

Contact SMC Physicians Today

At SMC Physicians in Northfield, we understand how difficult living with a chronic wound can be for you and your family. That’s why our wound care specialists work with patients to prevent avoidable complications and promote healing with advanced treatment options.

Don’t wait for your pressure ulcer to get worse. Call SMC Physicians at (609) 377-5150 today or request an appointment online to learn more about our wound care services and receive personalized treatment from our wound care specialists.

1601 Tilton Rd, Suite 3, Northfield, NJ 08225

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-5pm
Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
Friday: 8:30am-5pm