Understanding Bed Sores: Causes, Stages & Prevention

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure injuries, are not simply breaks in the continuity of the skin. They are localised injuries to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, shear, or friction.

Pressure ulcers can range in severity from non-blanchable erythema (stage 1) to full-thickness tissue loss (stage 4). They require prompt treatment and prevention strategies to avoid complications and further tissue damage.