Question 1

why do pressure sores sometimes smell bad?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria & necrosis: Pressure ulcers are the physical result of injury to the skin. When the injury progresses to an open sore, the sore will be invaded by bacteria and can become infected. The buildup  of bacteria in the wound can cause odor. Also along with bacteria, the injured tissue can rot and this produces odor, similar to leftovers that have spoiled in your refrigerator.

Question 2

why are pressure sores so dangerous? i mean, its just a sore, right?

Accepted Answer

Pressure ulcers: We know that patients who develop pressure ulcers are often 'at risk'. The skin is the largest organ of the body and sores can be a sign of organ failure in general for the patient. Also, a pressure ulcer can become very deep and affect deeper structures causing, for example, infection of the bone that will require extensive treatment. Rarely, patients develop serious, life-threatening infections.

Question 3

where can you get pressure sores?

Accepted Answer

Dependent areas: Pressure sores can occur on the buttocks, heel of the foot and rarely on the back of the head in a bed bound person.

Question 4

could young people get pressure sores?

Accepted Answer

Of course: Pressure sores often occur in patients with spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders. These can affects people of any age.

Question 5

do you only get pressure sores from lying in bed?

Accepted Answer

Pressure Sores: There are many other causes of pressure injuries in addition to those caused by lying in bed. Obese patients can develop pressure sores under their abdominal folds (pannus) for example. Medical devices cause pressure ulcers often also: oxygen tubing around ears, prosthetics that do not fit well, irritation from casts, are several examples. Remember, there are many risk factors for pressure injury.

Question 6

what should you do if you get pressure sores from a mask?

Accepted Answer

Foam dressing: Apply a hydrocolloid dressing or silicone soft foam dressing between the mask and face to prevent pressure damage. Apply aquaphor or vaseline to the pressure sore. If it looks infected apply topical antibiotic ointment or see your doctor for an oral antibiotic.

Question 7

how to avoid pressure sores?

Accepted Answer

Minimize pressure: Offload pressure points every 2-3 hours.  Frequent position changes helps a lot.

Question 8

how does silver dressing help with pressure sores?

Accepted Answer

Antimicrobial: Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) cream is antimicrobial, keeping pressure sores from becoming infected.  In addition, the emollient (cream or ointment) helps provide a moist wound bed for adjacent normal skin cells to migrate into the wound to heal the area.

Question 9

which layers of skin are affected by pressure sores?

Accepted Answer

All layers : Deep to superficial. But the primary problem is compromise of the vascular supply in the subcutaneous layers and secondarily in the dermis.

Question 10

how can people on wheelchairs prevent pressure sores?

Accepted Answer

Offloading essential: Pressure sores are caused by unremitting pressure, and many wheelchair patients do not have the normal pressure-pain-offloading mechanism that non-wheelchair-bound people do. Paraplegic, elderly, or diabetic patients may also have decreased sensation that signals need to offload pressure. Special pads can minimize pressure points, but periodic offloading is essential. No magic--relieve pressure!

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Doctor answers about:

Why do pressure sores sometimes smell bad

A member asked:

Why do pressure sores sometimes smell bad?

A member asked:

Why are pressure sores so dangerous? i mean, its just a sore, right?

A member asked:

Where can you get pressure sores?

A member asked:

Could young people get pressure sores?

A member asked:

Do you only get pressure sores from lying in bed?

A member asked:

What should you do if you get pressure sores from a mask?

A member asked:

How to avoid pressure sores?

A member asked:

How does silver dressing help with pressure sores?

A member asked:

Which layers of skin are affected by pressure sores?

A member asked:

How can people on wheelchairs prevent pressure sores?

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