Pressure Sores

Pressure sores (also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers) develop when the oxygen flow to an area of the body is stopped and the tissue in that area dies. This occurs when there is pressure or friction on the skin. Pressure sores occur over bony areas, such as the tailbone, hips, heels, elbows, spine, side of knee, ears and back of head.

What to look for:

• Red areas on the skin that do not go away when the pressure is removed
• Discomfort or pain at bony areas
• Yellowish stains on sheets, chairs or clothing
• Blistered, scaly or broken skin 

What to do:

• Examine the skin over bony areas once a day
• Keep skin clean and dry
• Treat dry skin with moisturizers
• Eat foods high in protein
• Increase fluids; if not eating well, drink high-calorie liquids, such as milkshakes or nutritional supplements
• Exercise as much as possible
• When sitting, change positions every half-hour
• If bed bound, change positions at least every two hours and protect pressure points with pillows, heel pads, and/or special mattresses
• Sprinkle the sheets lightly with cornstarch

When to call hospice:

• If you notice blistered, scaly, cracked or broken skin
• If the sore has a foul odor
• If you notice drainage from the sore