What causes bed sores?

Bed sores form when an area of tissue is compressed between a hard surface and a bony area of the body for a long period of time.  When the tissue of the body is compressed, blood flow is restricted.

Bed sores can form from one intense period of hard pressure, but usually occur when blood flow to skin, muscle, fat and tendons is restricted over longer periods of time.  Because the entire body relies upon a well oxygenated supply of blood, a reduction in blood supply causes the body to shut down, and those areas of the body die and wounds develop.

Bed Sore
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Information and medical contact resources for bed sore education and treatment.

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