What Is a Pressure Wound?
A pressure wound is a damaged area of skin that is typically caused by staying in one position for too long. It is usually also referred to as a bed sore since people who are bedridden tend to get them the most. While patients who spend most of their time in a hospital or nursing home bed seem most prone to them, it is also possible to get a pressure wound from being on bed rest or in a wheelchair for a short time while recovering from surgery. These types of wounds can usually be treated by a doctor, but if infection occurs and spreads, they can be deadly. Pressure sores are caused by staying in one position for so long that the blood supply to the affected area is cut off. Most often, this occurs on bony areas of the body, such as hips, heels, ankles, the tailbone, knees, shoulders, and the head. While being in a wheelchair or a bed for the majority of the day is a major risk factor, even those who can walk are subject to these types of wounds. For example, those with delicate skin,
