Common Areas for Bed Sores

Common Areas for Bedsores to Develop

Bedsores are damaged areas of tissue and skin that can cause life-threatening problems for the weakened, infirmed and elderly. The sore occurs on different parts of the body when there is sustained pressure, shearing conditions or friction. Individuals that are bed-bound or paralyzed have an increased potential of developing a bedsore on the buttocks, heel, head, back, hips or other areas on the body.

Repositioning the body every 15 minutes can significantly decrease the potential of developing pressure sores.

Contact Us
Bedsore on Buttocks

The hipbones, buttocks and tailbone have an increased potential of developing a pressure ulcer for paralyzed individuals or those who are wheelchair-bound. Paralyzed individuals will often develop a bedsore through a loss of sensation from the waist down. Individuals bound to a wheelchair might not have the capacity to change positions as a way to alleviate the pressure on the sacrum, back of the legs and buttocks.

Pressure Sore on Heel

Developing a pressure sore on the heel is usually the result of confinement in a bed or wheelchair. Tight bed sheets can constrict the foot and ankle, while increasing the potential of a pressure sore on the heel when the patient is unable to move their lower extremities.

Pressure Ulcer on Head

A pressure ulcer on the head is often undetected because it can be hidden by the patient’s hair. A pressure ulcer on the back of the head is often the result of immobility when paralyzed or in a coma. It is imperative that the head be repositioned every 15 minutes to minimize the potential of developing a bedsore.

Decubitus Ulcer on Back

Developing a decubitus ulcer is common on the back, shoulders and arms of individuals that are confined to a bed or wheelchair. This is because hard objects from the wheelchair including the armrests along with the mattress and linens on the bed produce constant pressure to the skin. The shoulder blades and spine can easily rub against the back of the chair or mattress springs causing pressure ulcers. Additionally, wheelchairs can produce extensive decubitus ulcers through friction when the chair is rolling.

The Best Bed Sore Treatment Is to Prevent Them from Initially Developing Common Areas for Bed Sores

Bedsore Common AreasNearly every type of bedsore (Also known as Pressure Ulcers; Pressure Sores; Decubitus Ulcers) can be prevented, especially in a clinical setting. Individuals that have the greatest potential for developing pressure sores include those who:

  • Have recently experienced a hip fracture, which can often continue to develop long after leaving the nursing home or hospital

  • Are confined to a wheelchair or bed, especially if suffering from spinal injury

  • Are unable to reposition the body without assistance, including those in a coma paralyzed, injured or recovering from surgery

  • Are unable to control the bowels or bladder, where the body might come in contact with excess moisture, which can soften or irritate the skin

  • Are malnourished and not eating a proper healthy diet containing adequate protein, which can slow the healing process

  • Are getting older, when the skin tissue will often become significantly more fragile, thinner and less elastic

  • Are smokers, where blood flow cannot provide adequate nourishment and oxygen to the skin

  • Are experiencing a fever, with a higher body temperature, placing excess stress on skin already at risk for developing bedsores

  • Are already suffering significant health issues, compromising the healing process, including diabetics and those with heart disease

The best ways to treat bedsores is through prevention, or taking steps to reduce any further damage. The best treatments relieve pressure on the skin by repositioning the body often, allowing the body weight to spread out evenly across the mattress, wheelchair or other support. Caregivers should keep the pressure ulcer clean and covered, and slightly moist. The patient must be fed a healthy diet.

Contact Us
Legal Responsibility of Facilities to Prevent & Treat Bed Sore

The medical staff and administrators at a hospital, nursing home and assisted living facility have a responsibility to provide every elder or injured patient proper care. It is their duty to provide treatment to avoid decubitus ulcers, promptly identify pressure sores surfacing, and treat existing sores to ensure they do not worsen, become infected, or lead to serious health issues.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC at (888) 424-5757 hold the medical staff accountable for negligence leading to bedsores and pressure ulcers including:

  • Failing to reposition patients
  • Failing to monitor and treat bedsores properly
  • Failing to provide proper nutrition to promote bedsore healing
  • Failing to provide necessary assistance with the patient’s hygiene

Our seasoned pressure sore attorneys are experienced in established elder law and pursue justice and security for every client. We hold responsible parties accountable to protect the rights of the injured when seeking financial recovery.