Bed Sores and FlowCushion

What are bed sores?

Bed sores are also known as pressure sores, pressure ulcers, decubiti, or decubitus ulcers. They begin as red, painful areas on the skin (often the legs and backside) and may turn purple or even black if undetected or untreated. In some cases, bed sores can lacerate and become infected, causing further medical problems. Bed sores are of particular concern among the aged and paralyzed, as they can lead to fatal conditions.

What causes bed sores?

Inactivity is the most common cause of pressure sores. Sores develop on the skin when the blood supply is cut off from that particular area of the body. As the skin dies it becomes rough and discolored, and very painful when pressure is applied. The only way to prevent bed sores is good blood circulation to all part of the body. Relieving pressure points in the legs and coccyx muscles is the best way to promote healthy blood flow and healthy skin.

More information on bed sores

Bed Sores - Information from the University Health System of Virginia