What are the causes of bed sores?
Bed sores are the result of unrelieved pressure on the body. Constant pressure results in the reduction of blood supply to the muscle and tissue— eventually causing the tissue to die. Frequently, bed sores are found in nursing home and hospital patients who are are kept in one position for too long without being turned or repositioned. In addition to unrelieved pressure, other factors can contribute to the development of bed sores (or decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcer or pressure sores). Facilities need to pay special attention to people in the following demographics who are at a heightened risk of developing bed sores. Aggravating Factors: Age: If you are over 70, you are at an increased risk for development of bedsores. Older adults tend to have thinner skin than their younger peers, making them more susceptible to damage from minor pressure. Older people also more likely to be underweight and have less natural cushioning over their bones. Even with optimum nutrition and good overall
