Bedsores (pressure ulcers)

These areas of damaged skin and tissue are caused by sustained pressure — often from a bed or wheelchair — that reduces blood flow to vulnerable areas of the body.OverviewBedsores are injuries to the skin and the tissue below the skin that are due to pressure on the skin for a long time. Bedsores most often arise on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. Bedsores also are called pressure ulcers, pressure injuries and decubitus ulcers.The people who are most at risk of bedsores have medical conditions that keep them from changing positions or moving. Or they spend most of their time in a bed or a chair.Bedsores can arise over hours or days. Most sores heal with treatment, but some never heal completely. You can take steps to put a stop to bedsores and help them heal.SymptomsSymptoms of bedsores are: Changes in skin color or texture. Swelling. Pus-like draining. An area of skin that feels cooler or warmer to the touch than other areas. Sore...