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Pressure Sores (Bedsores)
Pressure sores are skin and tissue damage from lying or sitting too long in one position. They are largely preventable with good care and need early attention.
Causes & risk factors
- Prolonged pressure on the skin over bony areas
- Being bed- or chair-bound with limited movement
- Friction and shearing when moving in bed
- Moisture from sweat or incontinence
- Poor nutrition and dehydration
- Reduced sensation or circulation
Common symptoms
- A red or discoloured patch of skin
- Skin that does not go pale when pressed
- Pain or tenderness over pressure points
- Broken skin, blisters or an open wound
- Sores over the heels, hips, tailbone or elbows
- Fever if the sore is infected
Tests & diagnosis
- Skin and wound assessment
- Albumin (nutrition)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- CRP (if infection suspected)
- Wound swab if infected
Treatment & management
- Change position regularly (turn every couple of hours)
- Use pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions
- Keep skin clean and dry, and manage incontinence
- Good nutrition and hydration to help healing
- Proper wound dressing and care
- Treat any infection promptly
When to see a doctor urgently
- Broken skin, an open sore or a deep wound — get seen
- A sore that is spreading, smelly, or with pus — urgent
- Fever or feeling unwell with a pressure sore — urgent (infection)
- Any non-blanching red patch that is not improving
Frequently asked questions
How can pressure sores be prevented?
Regular repositioning, pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions, keeping skin clean and dry, managing incontinence, and good nutrition and hydration prevent most pressure sores.
How serious are they?
Early sores can heal with good care, but deep or infected ones are serious and slow to heal, and infection can spread. Early attention and prevention are essential.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.