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What Do You Do if a Bed Sores, Pressure Sores, Decubitus Ulcers Become Infected says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

What Do You Do if a Bed Sores, Pressure Sores, Decubitus Ulcers Become Infected says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

What if a Bed Sore, Decubitus Ulcer or Pressure Sore gets Infected?

Pressure sores, Bed sores and Decubitus Ulcers that become infected heal more slowly and can spread a dangerous infection to the rest of your body. If you notice any of the signs of infection listed below, call your doctor right away.

Signs of an infected pressure sore include the following:

  • Thick yellow or green pus
  • A bad smell from the sore
  • Redness or warmth around the sore
  • Swelling around the sore
  • Tenderness around the sore

Signs that the infection may have spread include the following:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Weakness

How are infected pressure sores treated?

The treatment of an infected pressure sore depends on how bad the infection is. If only the sore itself is infected, an antibiotic ointment can be put on the sore. When bone or deeper tissue is infected, antibiotics are often required. They can be given intravenously (through a needle put in a vein) or orally (by mouth).

How can I tell if the sore is getting better?

As a pressure sore heals, it slowly gets smaller. Less fluid drains from it. New, healthy tissue starts growing at the bottom of the sore. This new tissue is light red or pink and looks lumpy and shiny. It may take 2 to 4 weeks of treatment before you see these signs of healing.

How can pressure sores be prevented?

The most important step to prevent pressure sores is to avoid prolonged pressure on one part of your body, especially the pressure points mentioned previously.

It’s also important to keep your skin healthy. Keep your skin clean and dry. Use a mild soap and warm (not hot) water. Apply moisturizers so your skin doesn’t get too dry. If you must spend a lot of time in bed or in a wheelchair, check your whole body every day for spots, color changes or other signs of sores. Pay special attention to the pressure points where sores are most likely to occur.

If you smoke, you should quit. People who smoke are more likely to develop pressure sores.

Exercise can help improve blood flow, strengthen your muscles and improve your overall health. Talk to your doctor if physical activity is hard for you. He or she can suggest exercises that can work for you, or refer you to physical therapist that can help.

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorney Steven Peck

About the Author

Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. A former successful business owner, Mr. Peck initially focused his legal career on business law. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to begin practicing elder law and nursing home abuse law.


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