A well-defined superficial pressure ulcer. Pressure ulcers on the skin of the buttock area on a paralyzed woman that has broken down due to the inability to move. Before the skin breaks down into an ulcer, skin areas subjected to too much pressure turn red, as seen on the lower back of this elderly woman. A pressure ulcer can be seen in the area just above the buttock crease. This ulcer on the side of the foot is from prolonged pressure. A pressure ulcer can be seen on the outer ankle area.
Share |

Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)  Information for adults

Picture of Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): A well-defined superficial pressure ulcer. Divider line
A well-defined superficial pressure ulcer.
left arrow
right arrow
Who's At Risk
People who cannot move themselves are at the greatest risk of getting bedsores, including people with:
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Paralysis
  • Strokes
  • Nerve (neurologic) disease
  • Decreased mental awareness
Most bedsores occur in older people (over the age of 70), as the skin of older people may be thinner and may heal more slowly.

People in nursing homes and hospitalized people (particularly for hip fracture or intensive care) develop bedsores more commonly.

Smokers and people who do not get good nutrition (malnourished or undernourished), have incontinence (problems with bladder or bowel control), diabetes, or problems with blood flow (circulation) also have increased risk.
Prev: Overview | Signs and Symptoms Next:
Last Modified: 25 Feb 2009
skinmatters blog, skin health and skin care advice from experts
skin condition finder, over 170 skin conditions and thousands of medical pictures
ask the doctor, skin care questions from visitors, responses from experts