Elders With Bed Sores, Pressure Sores and Decubitus Ulcers Are Particulary Susceptible to Developing Life Threatening Infections

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 1 min read

People with advanced bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers (stage 3 or stage 4) are particularly susceptible to developing infection- both in the wound itself and potentially systematically says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck. In order to minimize risk of infection, care should be taken to keep the wound clean and dry. Dressings should be changed on a regular basis as ordered by a treating physician.

The following may indicate infection within the wound itself:

* Increased pain in the wound
* Edema (swelling)
* Reddening of the wound (erythema)
* Increased fluid accumulation
* Heat in the wound area
* Unusual smell

Occasionally, an infection that originates in the wound itself, can spread throughout the entire body. These situations can pose a significant health risk to the individual. Signs of systematic infection include:

* Elevated white blood cell count
* Elevated body temperature
* Cellulitis (skin infection)
* Osteomyelitis (bone infection)

Because infection is a frequent complication for people with bed sores, physicians and other medical professionals should make the monitoring of existing wounds a priority. Wounds should be documented and photographed to assist in the evaluation of woulds as they heal.

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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.