Pressure Ulcer (Pressure Sore)
Alternate Names : Bedsore, Decubitus Ulcer
Definition
A pressure ulcer is an area of skin and tissue that becomes injured or broken down. Generally, pressure ulcers occur when a person is in a sitting or lying position for too long without shifting his or her weight. The constant pressure against the skin causes a decreased blood supply to that area. Without a blood supply, the area cannot survive and the affected tissue dies.
The most common places for pressure ulcers are over bony prominences (bones close to the skin), such as the elbow, heels, hips, ankles, shoulders, back, and the back of the head.
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Overview & Considerations
While it is more common for people to get pressure ulcers if they spend most of their time in bed or use a wheelchair, people who can walk can also get pressure ulcers when they are bedridden as a result of an acute illness or injury.
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