Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): How They Form and How to Prevent Them

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the same area of the body. They most often affect patients who spend long periods lying in bed, wheelchair users, or anyone with very limited mobility who cannot change position on their own.

When an area of the body stays under pressure for a long time, blood vessels narrow and circulation to the skin and tissue decreases. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, the tissue starts to break down - first as mild redness, then as an open wound if the pressure continues. Friction (when skin rubs against the sheet during movement) and moisture (sweat, urine) make it worse, leaving the skin more fragile and prone to damage.

Bedsores mainly appear over areas where bone is close to the skin: the hips, tailbone (sacrum), heels, elbows, shoulder blades, and the back of the head. These are the areas that bear the most weight when a patient stays in the same lying or sitting position for a long time.

An anti-pressure air mattress works by continuously redistributing pressure across a wider area of the body instead of concentrating it on a few points. The air cells vary the pressure constantly, easing blood circulation even when the patient doesn't move much on their own. This significantly reduces the risk of new sores forming and helps manage existing ones, alongside regular repositioning by the caregiver.

Besides an anti-pressure mattress, it helps a lot to reposition the patient every 2 hours, check the skin regularly for early signs of redness, keep the skin clean and dry, and maintain a protein-rich diet with adequate hydration, which helps the skin stay stronger and more resistant.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. For the assessment and treatment of existing bedsores, always consult a doctor or a specialised nurse.