Bedsores (pressure ulcers) - Symptoms and causes

Print OverviewBedsoreBedsoreBedsores are areas of damaged skin and tissue caused by sustained pressure that reduces blood flow to vulnerable areas of the body. This pressure may be caused from being in a bed or wheelchair for a long time.Bedsores 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.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edit...