Decubitus Ulcers, Bed Sores & Pressure Sores Are Holes In The Body Caused By Tissue Death

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 2 min read

A decubitus ulcer also known as a Bed Sore or Pressure Sore is essentially a hole caused by tissue death. Generally, we move when an area on our body in uncomfortable. In a person that cannot move or has decreased sensation, then they are not relieving pressure on the skin. When you press down on your skin, you see a lightening of the skin. This is caused by less oxygen enriched blood in that area, the blood was displaced by pressure. This will cause cell and tissue death. This is very very painful for the person says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven C. Peck who may be reached toll free at 1.866.999.9085.

When the tissue dies, it leaves behind a hole. The size depends on the pressure point involved. The depth (through different layers of skin) is classified as stages… dermis, epidermis, etc. This mostly depends on time. The longer the pressure was left unreleased, the deeper. However, there are cases that I have seen that within just a couple hours the sore was all the way to the bone indicates Los Angeles Elder Abuse Attorney Steven C. Peck.

Decubitus ulcer formation is even quicker when the body is running at a high speed. Times like fever cause an increase in heat production- which then is an increase in energy production- which then leads to a greater demand for oxygen (just like when you are running) Here, each cell is almost “running” and they wear out quickly. Add to that the inability for new blood to reach it… and you know the rest.

Treatment varies GREATLY. Some wounds are packed with saline soaked gauze and then sealed with a clear bandage. These wet dressings tend to do great for larger and deeper areas. This is one of hundreds of treatments. Treatments are based on past evidence, and each individual detail about each wound, as well as the patients history.

Prevention is the single most effective treatment.

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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.