Bed Sores Causes & Risks

Causes

Pressure sores result from lying or sitting in one position for too long a time. Prolonged pressure cuts off the blood supply to tissues that are compressed between a bony area and a mattress, chair, or other object. Without oxygen and nutrients, the tissue starts to die.

Several factors contribute to the development of pressure sores including:

• Pressure—Pressure sores can result from the inability to change position or to feel discomfort caused by pressure. People with normal mobility and sensation change position automatically, without thinking.
• Friction—Even friction from pulling someone across bed sheets can damage small blood vessels that supply the skin tissue.
• Poor nutrition
• Moisture—This can come from sweating due to an elevated temperature (fever) or leakage of urine or stool.
• Obesity —Extra weight increases pressure on the skin over the bones and joints.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Immobility, such as being bed- or chair-bound
• Sensory loss
• Poor nutrition
• Incontinence , or leakage of urine or stool
• Advanced age
• Chronic or complex medical problems, such as:
  • Anemia
  • Infection
  • Poor circulation
  • Neuropathy
  • Dementia
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Spinal cord injury or paralysis
• Bone fracture
• Swelling or water retention
• Dry skin
• Fever