Decubitus+Ulcers-Pressure+Sores


 * Decubitus Ulcers** (Pressure/Bed Sores)



**What is it?**
-A Decubitus Ulcer is a red sore that occurs from pressure on one particular spot of the body for an extended period of time, commonly over a bony area (such as the Sacrum). -Can also occur from friction/rubbing.



__**Decubitus**__ - "lying down"
 * __Ulcer__** - "open sore caused by a break in skin or mucous membrane that fails to heal"

**How?**
-Pressure on the concentrated skin tissue against bone pinches the capillaries in the region, depleting it's blood supply. This lack of blood supply over a long period of time creates necrotic (dead) tissue, and results in ideal conditions for infection. -These "Bed" sores are commonly found in people who are bed-ridden.



**Treatment**
1. Remove all pressure from effected area. 2. Keep area clean. (Usually 1 and 2 are the only necessary actions in common cases). 3. If infected, use antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. 4. Remove dead tissue if recommended by your doctor (this often requires surgery or prescribed enzymes). 5. In extremely severe cases, amputation may be required.

**Prevention**
-Keep cool in temperature (heat increases speed of decay). -If bed-ridden... MOVE!