How to Diagnose Bed Sores

Bedsores are painful, reddened areas of damaged skin that develop as a result of sustained pressure and lack of movement. Bed sores are a common problem for people confined to beds or wheelchairs since they frequently cannot change position without assistance. Bed sores tend to develop easily and then rapidly progress to a serious infection. This is why early diagnosis is crucial to keeping anyone vulnerable to bedsores healthy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Inspect the body for any areas of consistently red skin that might itch or even hurt and may also feel warm and spongy or possibly firm when touched. If the patient has darker skin, the mark may look blue or purple or possibly flaky or pale. These early areas of discomfort often disappear once the pressure is relieved.
2. Look for red or purple discoloration combined with open blisters or abrasions. This indicates a moderately advanced bed sore.
3. Scan the body for crater-like wounds. At this point, the sore has progressed beyond skin damage and into deeper tissues beneath.
4. Notice areas of wide-range skin loss along with muscle, bone, tendon or joint damage. These advanced wounds are hard to heal and can often lead to lethal infections.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a wheelchair, bed sores often appear on the buttocks area, shoulder blades, spine, and the backs of the arms and legs.
• If you are bed-bound, bed sores frequently start in areas including the back or sides of the head, your ears, shoulders, hipbones, lower back or tailbone as well as the back or sides your knees, heels, ankles and toes.
• Bed sores are also called "pressure sores," "decubitus sores," or "decubitus ulcers."
• Prevent bedsores by moving the patient often. Additionally, keep the skin clean and dry and maintain fresh, clean linens.
• Untreated bed sores can often develop into an infection or gangrene. Seek medical treatment at the first sign of bed sores.

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