DECUBITIS ULCERS

TYPES

Decubitis ulcers generally occur in stages. The staging process helps your physician diagnose and treat you.

Stage 1

The area of the skin may appear discolored but it isn’t broken. If you have a lighter complexion, it may appear as red. For individuals with a darker complexion, discoloration may vary from blue to purple. It may also feel warm and swollen.

Stage 2

A breakage in the skin may be found revealing a shallow ulcer. A blister filled with fluid may also be seen.

Stage 3

In this stage, the ulcer occurs in a much deeper part of the skin. It might affect your fat layers and it usually appears to be like that of a crater.

Stage 4

Your muscles and bones may be affected in this stage, along with the other layers underneath your skin.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary depending on the stage you are in, and these include:

• Discoloration of the skin
• Infections
• Open wounds
• Experiencing pain in the affected area
• A part of the skin that feels softer or firmer than the surrounding skin
• A part of the skin that does not lighten up when touched

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor may refer you to a wound care team of medical specialists who have experience in treating decubitus ulcers. These experts will then evaluate your pressure sores based on several things that include the following:

• The depth and sized of the pressure sore
• The color of the skin affected
• The number of tissue deaths that occurred
• The type of tissue affected by the ulcer
• The condition of the ulcer

Your physician may also take samples of the tissue and fluids of the affected area to look for signs of bacterial growth and cancer.

TREATMENT

Treatments vary depending on the condition and stage of your ulcer.

The following treatments include:

• Use of medication
• Local wound care
• Lifestyle changes
• Treatment for any present infections
• Surgery

Treatment strategies may depend on several factors and your physician will discuss with you the best possible treatment for your specific ulcer.