Pressure sores
Pressure sores are breaks in the skin resulting from unrelieved pressure in an immobile patient, such as those lying in bed following an operation; those who can't move because of paralysis following a stroke; those who are wheelchair bound following an accident. The cost in the United Kingdom is £750 million a year - in America it’s $3 billion. They start off as a red mark which progresses to a shallow graze, which turns into an ulcer affecting the full thickness of the skin, which can reach right down to the bone. They are worsened by malnutrition, underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus or kidney failure, and infection. Where the ulcer occurs depends on where the pressure is - commonly the sacrum, the hip or the heels. Treatment may be difficult: pressure must be relieved and underlying conditions treated where possible. Prevention may be better.
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