Skin Sores That Won't Heal

Individuals confined to wheelchairs must take great care to reduce the chances of contracting bed sores.

Permanent skin sores can be the result of diseases, infections or lifestyle and environment. There are usually ways to ease the pain and discomfort caused by permanent skin sores, but they never fully disappear, so adequate care and treatment is a must.

Bed Sores

Bed sores, also known as pressure sores or ulcers, develop when soft tissue is compressed between bone and a surface for a long period of time. As a result, bed sores are caused by interruption in the blood flow. Bed sores are commonly found in elderly and disabled individuals restricted to a bed or wheel chair. They may not heal because the individual is not able to move out the position long enough to allow complete recovery. Patients suffering from bed sores should be bathed as appropriate and repositioned for comfort and to reduce the pain. Lifting techniques and devices and a good diet can reduce the effect and appearance of bed sores.

Diseases

Some diseases may prevent the healing of skin sores and wounds. Diabetes and circulatory diseases can result in ulcers on the body and because of the body's propensity for poor circulation, it delays healing. Other diseases, such as tuberculosis, cancer and AIDs, destroy the immune system and impair healing of common sores that erupt as a result of these diseases. Sickle cell disease, anemia and hemophilia are blood-related diseases causing problems in the formation of blood cells and platelets or blood-clotting that can make surgery or injury wounds unable to heal normally.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that form outside the mouth and lips. It is a viral infection commonly known as herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2. Cold sores can be a sexually transmitted infection and are contracted through saliva and other bodily fluids. They are contagious and incurable. While the actual cold sore can last from seven to 14 days before the blister breaks and the cold sore begins to crust and go away, these incurable skin sores are always present in the body. Stress, excessive sun and menstruation can cause cold sores. While there is no cure, there are many creams and ointments dedicated to easing pain and discomfort and facilitating faster recovery.

References

• Bed Sores: Bed Sores -- The Basics
• Mother Nature: When to See Your Doctor
• OmniMedical Search: Conditions & Diseases