In the city of Atlanta, a bedsore, also called a pressure sore or pressure ulcer, is caused by prolonged pressure to a piece of skin or area of the body. Bedsores can occur on any area of the body, but are most commonly found on the hips, tailbone, heels and ankles. Bedsores are staged in four categories.
- In the beginning stage of a bedsore, the skin is not broken but does look pale in comparison with surrounding tissues. When pressed, the skin does not blanch. The area may be tender to the touch, and its temperature may be different than that of surrounding skin.
- The second stage of a bedsore is apparent when the epidermis is lost or damages. The wound appears to be red or pink and may be sunken in. The wound could look like a blister or one that has already popped.
- Stage three involves a loss of skin and a crater-like ulcer. There may be yellowish tissue apparent, and the damage typically lies beneath the top-most layers of the skin.
- The last stage has a large loss of tissue. The wound may be open in such a manner that muscles, tendons and ligaments can be seen. There is dead tissue along the bottom of the wound, and the damage may reach under the layers of skin.
A bedsore is treatable in the beginning stages with little effort. When they get worse, bedsores require attention that can be quite serious and extensive. Any indication of a bed sore should be brought to the attention of a medical professional as soon as possible.