Early Signs of Bedsores

Early signs of bedsores are often subtle and may be overlooked without a specific care plan in place. It is essential that all hospital patients and nursing home residents who are at risk of bedsores have a care plan in place that includes necessary assessments that can uncover bedsores while they are still in their very early stages. This means that hospital and nursing home staff must be trained to recognize the early signs of bedsores in various individuals. It may also be helpful for family members of nursing home residents to be familiar with the signs as well. In this way, if nursing home staff does not recognize the problem family members may be able to bring attention to the issue at an earlier stage.

The earliest stage of bedsores is Stage I and at this stage the chances of recovery are greatest. The symptoms surrounding Stage I bedsores can vary from individual to individual but generally encompass the following traits:

Redness or discolored skin – generally speaking, Stage I bedsores may look relatively benign, compared to other stages. The reddish skin tone will not fade when pressure is placed upon the area. In darker skinned individuals, the redness may instead look blue or purple.

Different skin texture/temperature – one of the telltale signs of bedsores is that the area of skin that is discolored will also be a different texture – either firmer, or more spongy than surrounding tissue, and it may either be warmer or cooler to the touch as well.

Pain – many times, even Stage I bedsores can be painful for those who are affected. Often, the area will be tender or sore. However, for individuals with decreased sensory perception, this discomfort may not be fully recognized until the bedsore is more severe.

When you visit your loved one in the hospital or at a nursing home, be certain to look for any of these initial signs in the places where bedsores are most prevalent – at the hips, knees, heels, and other areas where pressure, friction and sheer may cause damage. By being proactive at the early stages, adjustments can be made to stop bedsores before they can advance to become a more severe complication.