Known Causes of Bedsores

There are several known causes of bedsores, which can be broken down into several general categories: pressure, pressure plus shear, and pressure plus friction. Patients in hospitals can develop any of these types of bedsores, as can residents in a nursing home setting. Individuals undergoing a prolonged operation may also be in danger of developing a bedsore while on the operating table. Each potential cause can overlap, and it is only by alleviating the potential for all three causes that bedsores can be properly prevented and/or treated.

Pressure

Bedsores are caused by prolonged, unrelieved pressure that results in minimal blood flow to the affected area. Because of this decreased circulation, cells die, and destruction of skin, underlying tissue, muscle, tendon and even bone can result. Pressure is generally placed on the bony areas of the body, and therefore, some of the most common areas for pressure sores include the hips, knees, lower back, and back of the head. Prolonged pressure can occur any time a patient or nursing home resident is bedridden and unable to change positions easily. This is especially true for those who may be paralyzed, or elderly individuals who are too weak to move without assistance. Nursing home facilities, ideally, should provide an adequate turning schedule in order to avoid wounds caused by prolonged, unrelieved pressure. However, that does not always happen, and in combination with other factors, such as wet or soiled adult diapers, pressure sores can develop and progress quickly.

Shear

Shear can occur any time a nursing home resident or hospital patient is moved from the bed, or is adjusted - even as part of a regular turning schedule. Simply defined, shear occurs when the uppermost layers of skin and tissue are pulled in one direction, while the body moves in another - such as when a person slides down in the bed, or is inadvertently dragged when being moved to the edge of the bed or to a new chair or seating arrangement. This shear, if it occurs regularly, can contribute to a breakdown of tissue beneath the skin that allows pressure sores to develop quickly.

Friction

Any sort of movement that repeatedly causes clothing, bedding or other materials to rub against the skin will result in friction. This friction can cause a superficial wound that along with extended pressure, can cause bedsores to develop on places such as the backs of the heels. These types of injuries generally require special clothing or other types of materials in order to minimize friction and lessen the damage caused by repeated movements. Fleece lined slippers or other specialized footwear may be used when the bedsore develops on a person's heel.

Regardless of the cause of the bedsore, the serious risks associated with potential infection, complications, and the slow healing process must be taken into consideration when treatment options are made available. Depending upon the location and severity of the bedsore, various options may be available. If your loved one resides in a nursing home and has problems with mobility, you should ensure that there is a proper schedule that allows for regular turning in order to minimize the risks of bedsore development. However, you should also ensure that staff members are properly trained with regards to performing these regular turnings, in order to minimize the chances that friction and shear could inadvertently contribute to the problem.