Definition of the Pressure Ulcer, Pressure Sore, Bed Sore or Decubitus Ulcer

Written by Adam Peck Category: Bed Sores January 26th, 2013 2 min read

Definition of Pressure Ulcer, Pressure Sore, Bed Sore or Decubitus Ulcer:

A pressure ulcer, pressure sore, bed sore or decubitus ulcer is an area of skin that breaks down when you stay in one position for too long without shifting your weight. This often happens if you use a wheelchair or you are bedridden, even for a short period of time (for example, after surgery or an injury). The constant pressure against the skin reduces the blood supply to that area, and the affected tissue dies.

A pressure ulcer, pressure sore, bed sore, or decubitus ulcer starts as reddened skin but gets progressively worse, forming a blister, then an open sore, and finally a crater. The most common places for pressure ulcers are over bony prominences (bones close to the skin) like the elbow, heels, hips, ankles, shoulders, back, and the back of the head. says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven C. Peck.

Causes:

These factors increase the risk for pressure ulcers, pressure sores, bed sore or decubitus ulcers:

Being bedridden or in a wheelchair
Fragile skin
Having a chronic condition, such as diabetes or vascular disease, that prevents areas of the body from receiving proper blood flow
Inability to move certain parts of your body without assistance, such as after spinal or brain injury or if you have a neuromuscular disease (like multiple sclerosis)
Malnourishment
Mental disability from conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease — the patient may not be able to properly prevent or treat pressure ulcers
Older age
Urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

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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.