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.
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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.
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Overview
Bedsores (pressure ulcers), also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers, result from prolonged pressure that cuts off the blood supply to the skin, causing the skin and other tissue to die. The damage may occur in as little time as 12 hours of pressure, but it might not be noticed until days later when the skin begins to break down. The skin is especially likely to develop pressure sores if it is exposed to rubbing (friction) and moving the skin in one direction and the body in another (shear), as in sliding down when the bed head is raised. Dampness (such as from perspiration or incontinence) makes the skin even more liable to develop pressure sores.
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Last Modified: 25 Feb 2009
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