Bedsores — also called pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers — are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin.  Patients will often develop bedsores while on bed rest or in a wheelchair.  They happen when you lie or sit in one position too long and the weight of your body against the surface of the bed or chair cuts off blood supply.  Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, knees, hips, tailbones and elbows.  This condition is very uncomfortable and painful.

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Bedsores can progress to 4 stages as described below.  The purpose of our bedsore package is to prevent even reaching Stage 1 or 2. 

 

The stages are based on how deep the sores are.

 

Stage 1:  This is the mildest stage. These pressure sores only affect the upper layer of the skin.  Symptoms include pain, burning or itching.  The spot may feel different from the surrounding skin; firmer or softer, warmer or cooler.

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Stage 2:   The sore digs deeper below the surface of the skin.  Symptoms include swelling, heat and red broken skin, an open wound or pus-filled blister, and is very painful.   

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Stage 3:   These sores have gone through the second layer of skin into the fat tissue.   The sore looks like a crater and may have a bad odor. It may show signs of infection: red edges, pus, odor, heat, and/or drainage. The tissue in or around the sore is black if it has died.

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​Stage 4:  These sores are the most serious.  Some conditions may even affect the muscles and ligaments.  The sore is deep and big. The skin has turned black and shows signs of infection -- red edges, pus, odor, heat, and/or drainage. You may be able to see tendons, muscles, and bone.

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