Ailments and Situations - Ulcer - Bedsore |
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(Decubitous Ulcer, Pressure Sore, Skin Sore) A bedsore is caused by skin damage due to impaired blood flow and irritation, particularly over bony prominences. The skin has a very rich blood supply and when that blood supply is cut off for two to three hours or more, the skin begins to die. The body protects itself from pressure sores through several methods. First, the normal movement of the body, e.g., while lying down, sleeping, or sitting, shifts pressure so that blood supply to any one particular area is not blocked for too long. In addition, the subcutaneous layer of fat helps cushion the skin and its blood vessels, especially over bony prominences, preventing them from being squeezed shut. |
