1. Basically a gangrene caused by local pressure. Also known as pressure sore or decubitus ulcer
2. Predisposing factor includes PRESSURE, INJURY, ANAEMIA, MALNUTRITION and MOISTURE.
3. Staging of bedsores
Stage I (Impending ulceration)
- Blanchable erythema due to reactive hyperemia
- Resolve within 24 hours of pressure relieves
Stage II (Partial thickness skin loss)
- Involving epidermis or dermis and represented by abrasion, blister or ulcer
Stage III (Full thickness loss)
- May extend to the subcutaneous tissue but not through underlying fascia
Stage IV (Extension into muscle, bone, tendon or joint capsule
4. Prevention includes
- Foam block
- 2 Hourly turning position
- Ripple mattress bed (air bed)
- Good nursing care to avoid contamination from urine, sweat and faeces. (adhesive film)
- Lotion.
- Early ambulation.
5. Treatment
- PREVENTION is a MUST as treatment is very difficult. once a bedsores occur, it will progress and healing process will take a long time. It is a well known fact that managing bedsores are very COASTLY. Besides, bedsore also increase morbidity and mortality rate among hospitalized patient.
- Treatment based on stage
a) Stage I
Preventive measures
b) Stage II
Preventive measures + dressing via simple solution (Normal saline or diluted chlorhexidine)
c) Stage III and above
Preventive measures PLUS
Dirty wound: Hydrogen Peroxide + Poviderm + Chlorhexidine
Moderately dirty: Vacuum assisted dressing, specialized wound solution with capacity of promoting granulation
Clean wound: Normal saline
-Based on assesment of the wound,
- Vacuum dressing
- Wound debridement
- Skin flap.
- Correction of underlying anemia, hypoalbuminaemia or any malnutrition.
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| Stage IV bedsores that involves penetration up to sacral bone. |



