What are Pressure Sores
Pressure sores (also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores) are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.
They are painful and debilitating and can cause serious harm. They can develop within hours and although generally affect older people anyone who is immobile for a period of time can be at risk.
Pressure sores happen when people remain in one position for too long. People who are unable to reposition themselves are particularly at risk. It is estimated that several thousand people develop pressure sores each year which is a shocking figure because in most cases they are preventable with proper nursing care.
Pressure sores can affect any part of the body that's put under pressure. They're most common on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and base of the spine.
The first signs of a pressure sore would be discoloration of the skin. If you apply gentle pressure and the skin does not turn white when pressed or feels warm or itchy then these are the early signs that damage may have occurred.
If left to develop the damage can spread to your underlying tissue and in severe cases, there can be permanent damage to muscle or bone underneath your skin. Pressure sores can be very painful and can take a very long time to heal and can cause other issues such as infections and even sepsis.
It is important that if you or a loved one are seeing signs of skin damage that you contact a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent further and longer lasting damage.
The most common system for assessing pressure sores, classifies them based upon the depth of skin damage, ranging from the least severe (stage 1) to the most severe (stage 4).
If you or a loved one has suffered with pressure sores find out today if they are due compensation.
Stages of Pressure Sores
The most common system for assessing pressure sores, classifies them based upon the depth of skin damage, ranging from the least severe (stage 1) to the most severe (stage 4). Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, buttocks and to the base of the spine.
Bedsores can develop very quickly. Most sores heal with treatment, but some never heal completely and can lead to other complications such as sepsis or septicemia. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure that anyone at risk of developing bedsores receives the proper care to prevent the condition occurring.
Grade 1
Reddened skin which persists for more than 30 minutes after pressure has been relieved.
Grade 2
Superficial skin damage. May present as a blister or as an abrasion.
Grade 3
Full thickness skin loss not extending to bone or muscle. This grade is not usually painful.
Grade 4
Full thickness skin loss with extensive tissue damage through muscle and bone.
Pressure Sore Grades
With grade 1 pressure sores, the affected area appears red/pink, and a person might suffer from pain and itching. The skin will generally be intact with non-blanchable redness in a localised area usually over a bony prominence. The area may be painful, firm, soft warmer or cooler compared to adjacent tissue.
With grade 2 pressure sores, the area will be developing into an open wound and there will be damage to the outer layers of skin. The area may present as a shallow, open wound with a pink wound bed. It may also present itself as an intact or open blister and can be shiny or dry without slough or bruising.
With grade 3 pressure sores, there will be full thickness tissues loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible, but bone, tendon or muscle are not yet exposed. Slough may be present but does not obscure the depth of tissue loss.
With grade 4 pressure sores, there will be full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon or muscle. Slough may be present on some parts of the wound bed. Stage 4 can be shallow where there is not a lot of subcutaneous tissue and can extend into muscle and supporting structures and can result in osteomyelitis. Exposed bone or tendon maybe visible. This is the most serious stage and can in certain circumstances lead to additional complications which can be life threatening.
Preventing Pressure Sores
Pressure ulcers are extremely serious and cause a lot of pain and are very unpleasant, upsetting and challenging to treat. The sad reality is that they are also preventable in most cases if the correct care is given.
There are standard procedures that should take place whenever someone is being cared for by a health professional to prevent pressure sores from developing.
The caregiver should carry out a skin check and risk assessment as soon as they take responsibility for a patients care to assess the risk of them developing pressure sores. The risk assessment should be reviewed regularly particularly if there is a change in the patients medical condition.
Following the risk assessment a care plan needs to be put in place to prevent pressure sores developing. This may include provision for regular turning and the use of specialist pressure relieving equipment such as mattresses and cushions.
It is the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure that anyone at risk of developing bedsores receives the proper care to prevent the condition occurring. If they do not assess the risk of bedsores properly and you or a loved one goes on to develop bedsores while in their care, you may have a right to claim compensation.
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