Information About Decubitus Ulcers
or "Bed Sores" or "Pressure Sores"

Additional information and care resources are on the General Public page.

• Decubitus Ulcer Explanations
  Explanation of Decubitus ulcers or "bed sores" or "pressure sores," their formation and prevention

• Prevention
  Illustrations of correct positioning to avoid Decubitus ulcer or pressure ulcer development

• Bed-Bound Individuals
  Shows sites of potential Decubitus ulcer development

• Wheelchair-Bound Individuals
  Shows sites of potential Decubitus ulcer development

• Shearing of Buttocks and Coccyx
  Shows areas of potential risk from friction and rubbing or shearing

• Stages of Wounds
  Categorization of wound stages as listed by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel

• Wound Information
  Stages of Wounds and Related Wound Information plus an explanation of development and appearance of Decubitus ulcers

• Related Sites
  Sites with additional information about Decubitus ulcers

The goal of these pages is to inform people about the development and prevention of Decubitus ulcers, i.e., the areas of the body that need extra protection and frequent inspection to minimize the risk of anyone having to suffer the development of a Decubitus ulcer or "pressure sore."

This information is provided to alert care-givers to the development of a problem so medical attention may be obtained before the situation becomes serious. Any discolored area of the skin (reddish or purplish), especially those areas indicated in the drawings, should be carefully monitored. If the area does not clear in a few hours after the pressure is relieved on that area (remains discolored), then it warrants quickly contacting a medical professional.

Excellent medical resource professionals are physicians, home care or visiting nurses, and physical therapists.

THE PRIMARY GOAL OF DECUBITUS ULCER TREATMENT IS PREVENTION.