Pressure ulcers can be life threatening. They are also referred to as decubitus ulcers, pressure sores, bed sores and skin ulcers. An individual will develop pressure sores if he or she is in one spot for too long without shifting their weight. This commonly happens to those with limited mobility, have urinary and bowel incontinence, the elderly and those with diabetes. Treatment for the ulcers varies according to the stage of development. If you do not know what the stages are, then today is your lucky day.

Phase I is reddened skin. Phase II is a blister that has formed. Phase III is an open sore from where the blister has ruptured. Phase IV is a crater that has obvious signs of dead tissue and infection. The treatment options for a diabetic or a pressure ulcer are quite standard. The first step is to reduce the pressure placed on the area. A pressure ulcer is most often found in areas of boney prominences such as the elbows, feet and back. Next, the treatment for this disease used will depend on stage of development.

Pressure ulcers are temperamental. They must be kept clean and dry at all times. They must also be kept free of any dead tissue resulting from necrosis. Should you not follow those instructions, and any others prescribed by your doctor, the ulcer could become infected and be a danger to your life. There are signs to watch for that will be present if an infection has set into the pressure ulcer. If the ulcer is inflamed, red, swollen, or exudes any foul smell, then you need to contact your physician immediately.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 10:50 am and is filed under Health & Beauty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.