Bedsores – An Opportunity For Infection

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, pressure injuries or pressure sores, are a prevalent concern for individuals who are immobile or spend extended periods in one position. These wounds occur due to sustained pressure on the skin, often in areas where bones are close to the skin surface, such as the heels, hips, tailbone, and elbows. Bedsores develop when continuous pressure restricts blood flow to specific areas of the body, leading to tissue damage. You can learn more about them here.

Bedsores are not just wounds on the skin’s surface; they are windows to a host of potential complications, with infections being one of the most concerning. It is of paramount importance that staff members of medical and non-medical facilities (hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, board and care facilities, hospice companies, home healthcare companies and caregiver companies) are frequently looking for signs and symptoms of bedsores.

Bedsores create an entry point for bacteria and other pathogens to invade the body. Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of infection associated with pressure ulcers:

• Compromised Skin Barrier: The skin serves as a protective barrier against pathogens. When pressure sores develop, this barrier is compromised, allowing bacteria to penetrate deeper layers of tissue and potentially enter the bloodstream.
• Prolonged Wound Healing: Pressure sores often heal slowly, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. The longer a wound remains open, the greater the likelihood of bacterial colonization and infection.
• Exposure to Contaminants: Individuals with pressure sores are often confined to bed or wheelchair-bound, increasing their exposure to contaminants present in their immediate environment, such as bedding, clothing, or medical equipment. These contaminants can introduce harmful bacteria to the wound site, further increasing the risk of infection.
• Reduced Circulation: Restricted blood flow to the affected area impairs the body’s ability to deliver immune cells and nutrients essential for wound healing and infection prevention. As a result, pressure ulcers are more susceptible to bacterial overgrowth and subsequent infection.

Measures to prevent pressure ulcers include:

• Frequently repositioning individuals who are immobile or bedridden to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas.
• Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration to support skin integrity and healing.
• Using specialized support surfaces, such as pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions, to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points.
• Keeping the skin clean, dry, and well-moisturized to prevent irritation and breakdown.

If pressure sores do develop, prompt and appropriate wound care is essential to prevent infection and promote healing. This may include:

• Cleaning the wound with mild soap and water and gently removing any dead tissue or debris.
• Applying topical dressings or ointments to protect the wound and promote moisture balance.
• Monitoring the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage, and seeking medical attention if necessary.
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove damaged tissue and facilitate healing.

Infections in pressure sores can have serious consequences, including:

• Sepsis: Severe infections in pressure sores can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection. Sepsis can cause organ dysfunction and failure if not promptly treated.
• Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can spread rapidly from a pressure sore to surrounding tissue. Symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the affected area. If left untreated, cellulitis can lead to abscess formation and tissue necrosis.
• Osteomyelitis: Infections that penetrate deep into the tissue of pressure sores can reach the underlying bones, causing osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection. Osteomyelitis can lead to bone destruction, septic arthritis, and systemic complications if not treated aggressively.

Infections in pressure sores are not to be underestimated. What may start as a seemingly minor wound can quickly escalate into a serious health threat if left unchecked. It is critical that care staff monitor individuals for this horrific injury.