A bedsore is a painful skin disorder that occurs if a patient does not move about regularly. Without movement and circulation of blood throughout the body, eventually skin sores form and progress to deep bedsores, which look like open craters in the skin, according to the National Institutes of Health. Bedsores may occur when a patient is recovering from a stroke or surgery, or at any time when a patient has little or no mobility due to injuries or lack of strength. Bedsores may cause damage to "deeper tissue layers affecting muscle, tendon and bone," according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Use of Wheelchair
Patients in a wheelchair have a higher risk of bedsores due to the lack of movement in the lower extremities. With ongoing pressure where the body hits the surface of the wheelchair, circulation is compromised and bedsores may occur. As movement decreases when a patient starts to use a wheelchair, bed sores may become a serious problem.
Poor Diet
A poor diet may hinder overall health. If the body is not getting the nutrients needed for optimum health, a patient may become lethargic and not have the energy for exercise or moving about to keep circulation robust. As circulation of blood diminishes in the body, the risk for bedsores greatly increases.
Incontinence
Lack of control of urine or bowel movements may raise the risk of experiencing bedsores. Incontinence raises the level of germs on the skin. It also increases the moisture level of the skin, which may lead to skin that is a bit soggy and loses strength. Thus, with incontinence, skin infections develop more rapidly and progress to bedsores more frequently.
Diabetes
Diabetes weakens overall health. It may also cause nerve damage and hinder circulation of blood throughout the body. This raises the risk for bedsores. Diabetes also hinders normal healing, so once a bedsore appears it may be difficult to heal.
Sensitive Skin
Patients with very sensitive or delicate skin are more prone to bedsores. Skin irritation that leads to bedsores may occur more rapidly in patients with fragile skin.
Abrasion of the Skin
Abrasion of the skin may occur due to too-tight clothing, rubbing against bed sheets while asleep or if a patient is frequently pushed or pulled across the bed sheets while being moved in and out of bed.
Lack of Awareness
Diseases such as Alzheimer's that limit mental functioning may leave patients vulnerable to bedsores. Patients without the mental awareness to maintain proper hygiene are at higher risk for bedsores.
Aging
As patients age, mobility decreases. An elderly patient may not be able to exercise as much as in the past. The decreasing amount of movement may cause bedsores to start.
