Bed Sores, Pressure Sores and Decubitus Ulcers Are Caused By Lack Of Blood Supply says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

Written by Adam Peck Category: Nursing Homes January 23rd, 2013 2 min read

Bedsores (pressure sores or decubitus ulcers) are painful skin ulcers which develop when constant pressure on a body part shuts down blood supply to that skin area says Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Steven Peck.

This happens when we sit or lie in the same position for too long. Affected skin becomes starved of oxygen and nutrients.

The skin breaks down and an ulcer (sore) is formed. Friction between skin and clothing or bedding may cause bedsore formation. Areas along the backbone, shoulder blades, heels, hips, and elbows are common ground for bedsores.

Healthy people don’t usually develop bedsores since we’re constantly adjusting posture and position, shifting the ‘pressure’ of body weight around. We tend to acquire pressure sores when we are unable to recognise or say that we are uncomfortable (e.g. in dementia, Alzheimer’s or mental illness), or we are physically unable to reposition ourselves (paralysed, bedridden or wheelchair bound). Seniors are at risk.

If skin is kept excessively dry or moist (in sweat, urine, or feces, and breeding bacteria) it is likely to break down when faced with friction or pressure. Complications leading to death can happen when bacteria enter the wound then the blood, infecting body parts including the brain

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.