A Decubitus ulcer is a pressure sore or what is commonly called bed sores. It can range from a very mild pink coloration of the skin, usually called a Stage I Decubitus Ulcer,  which disappears in a few hours after pressure is relieved on the area, to a very deep wound extending to and sometimes through a bone into internal organs which is the worst and most extreme Decubitus Ulcer called a State IV.  These ulcers or bed sores are classified in stages according to the severity of the wound.

All decubitus ulcers sores have a course of injury similar to a burn wound.

This can be a mild redness of the skin an, or blistering, such as a first-degree burn, to a deep open wound with blackened tissue, as in a third degree burn. This blackened tissue is called eschar and can become infected if not kept clean, leading to sepsis and possible death.

About the Author

Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. A former successful business owner, Mr. Peck initially focused his legal career on business law. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to begin practicing elder law and nursing home abuse law.