The pressure prevents blood from reaching the affected area, so the skin dies.
Treatment for bedsoresdepends on the severity of the sore.
Staging uses a universal system based on the level of tissue loss.
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Therapies can involve repositioning, dressings, and other treatments of the affected areas.
Surgery may be needed to repair the bedsores in the most advanced stage.
To reduce your risk of infection, clean a bedsore every with each dressing change.
The specific dressing used varies based on the staging of the bedsores being treated.
Generally, the goal is to keep the bedsore covered with a dressing to protect it against infection.
If using gauze, it should be kept moist between dressing changes to promote healing.
Surgery is a two-step process that includes cleaning and reconstructing the affected area.
Surgical treatment starts with debriding the wound.
This is done to remove dead or infected tissue.
It may also require removing infected bone.
Skin grafts can be effective for treating large, shallow pressure sores.
Surgery can improve the quality of life for some people.
However, it is not always successful.
They often affect older people and those who have limited mobility.
Treatment depends on the stage, or severity of a bedsore.
Prompt treatment can help prevent severe problems and the progression to severe stages.
Bedsores are easiest to treat at their early stages when the risk of infection is lowest.
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American Academy of Family Physicians.Pressure sores.
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC).Surgical and reconstructive treatment of pressure injuries.
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