A pressure ulcer is an area of skin that breaks down when constant pressure is placed against the skin.

Bedsore; Decubitus ulcer

Pressure against the skin reduces blood supply to that area, and the affected tissue dies. This may happen when you stay in one position for too long without shifting your weight. You might get a pressure ulcer if you use a wheelchair or are confined to a bed, even for a short period of time (for example, after surgery or an injury).

The following factors increase the risk for pressure ulcers:

• Being bedridden or in a wheelchair
• Being older
• Being unable to move certain parts of your body without help, such as after a spine or brain injury or if you have a disease like multiple sclerosis
• Having a chronic condition, such as diabetes or vascular disease, that prevents areas of the body from receiving proper blood flow
• Having a mental disability from conditions such as Alzheimer's disease
• Having fragile skin
• Having urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence
• Not getting enough nourishment (malnourishment)

Images

Progression of a decubitis ulcer

Areas where bedsores occur

Next Section

Pressure ulcer Symptoms

Review Date: 11/22/2010
Reviewed By: Richard J. Moskowitz, MD, Private Practice, Mineola, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)