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Pressure sores are caused when someone is left lying or sitting in one position for an extended period of time. Pressure sores are damaged areas of the skin that can develop serious and life-threatening infections. People most likely to develop pressure sores include people who are elder, paralyzed, obese, comatose or bedridden because of recent surgery or illness. Pressure sores usually form on joints such as elbows, ankles and hips, as well as backs and heels. Pressure sores are preventable.

Pressure sores can be prevented if:

• The skin is kept clean and dry.
• The position of the patient is changed at least every two hours.
• Pillows are used to decrease pressure in sensitive areas.
• The patient eats healthy meals and gets daily exercise.

The likelihood of developing pressure sores increases if the person has fragile skin, is malnourished or has urinary or bowel incontinence. A pressure sore can begin looking like a rash, and then it can develop into a blister and then an open sore. In some cases, the sore can develop into a hole in the body that damages muscles and bones.

If a pressure sore develops, follow these steps to reduce further injury:

·        Relieve the pressure by adding pillows or moving the patient

·        Keep the pressure off that area for as long as it takes to heal

·        Assess and improve the patient’s nutritional inadequacies

·        Keep the injury clean

·        Do not rub the affected area in order to avoid further damage

If the affected area has developed into an open pressure sore or worse, contact a doctor immediately. Avoiding infection is top priority. Infections are noticeable by their foul smell, redness and tenderness, warmth or swelling around the area, or if the patient develops a fever. Contact a personal injury attorney, because all pressure sores can be prevented. Pressure sores often occur when a patient is not being cared for properly.