Bed sores, less commonly known as pressure ulcers, are characterized by a break down of the skin. A study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that every one out of 25 pressure-sore-related hospitalizations ended in death. Starting as a tiny wound, untreated bed sores can triple in size if the cause is not relieved immediately.
Pressure
On average, no one sits or lies in one position for too long. Everyday movements and the ability to change positions during sleep protect your skin by constantly redistributing the pressure over bony prominences. The hips, buttocks, shoulders and feet are high target areas for bed sores to develop as they have less subcutaneous padding, or fat protecting and keeping circulation in the integument above. Even a few hours of unrelieved pressure can cause tissue necrosis, or the skin death that leads to a bed sore.
Immobility
People who are immobile depend upon the assistance of others to frequently change their position. According to the Mayo Clinic, these position changes alone can cause shear and friction--two forces responsible for causing bed sores. Shear and friction damage the skin surface and will predispose the immobile person to bed sores. Position changes must be frequent and gentle to maintain the health of the superficial integument.
Chronic Illness
Chronic illness will deplete a body's natural defenses, including skin integrity. Long-term bed rest will lead to atrophy, or fat and muscle break down, creating a vulnerability of the supporting skin structures. Once this padding is removed, bony structures will place more pressure on the thin integument and allow pressure ulcers to break through faster, heal slower and spread quickly.
Dietary Deficiencies
According to the United States National Library of Medicine, malnourishment is a common cause of bed sores. Sufficient hydration and protein intake are required to maintain skin integrity. Dehydration affects the skin turgor, or elasticity, which allows healthy skin to maintain shape. The skin cannot regenerate without an adequate caloric intake and dietary proteins such as meats and dairy.
Incontinence
Incontinence of bowel or bladder, meaning a lack of ability to control defecation or urination, are frequent causes of bed sores. Urine is composed of ammonia, which is toxic to your skin. Lying or sitting in these raw materials for any length of time will add moisture and bacteria to the area, ripening the environment to bed sores.
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