Decubitis Ulcer: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

1. Decubitis Ulcer

2. Decubitis Ulcer A Decubitis ulcer is a skin condition resulting in an open sore on the patient’s skin. Decubitis ulcer usually occurs on lower body areas such as ankles, back, hips or buttocks. Decubitis ulcer condition is more common among disabled, elderly people or people with fragile skin. Decubitis ulcer is easily treatable with medicines in its initial stages. However, if Decubitis ulcer is left untreated it may cause damage to bones and muscles. Decubitis ulcer leads to the formation of painful blisters filed with pus. Decubitis ulcer is also known as Bedsores. 

3. Causes of Decubitis ulcer  Persistent pressure on the skin is one of the main causes of a Decubitis ulcer. Sitting or lying in the same position for prolonged periods restricts the normal flow of blood resulting in a Decubitis ulcer. Frequent rubbing of skin against another surface can also damage the tissue beneath your skin. People who sweat a lot have excessive moisture on their skin, which reduces the skin resistance against sores. Wearing same clothing and undergarments for longer periods can create open sores by damaging outer layers of the skin.

4. Risk factors for Decubitis ulcer  These are few factors that increase the chance of developing a Decubitis ulcer:  • Physical inactivity • Poor nutrition • Smoking • Low body weight • Old age • Uncontrolled diabetes • Anaemia • Dementia

5. Symptoms The symptoms of Decubitis ulcer gets worse with the progression of each stage. Consult a dermatologist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Common symptoms of Decubitis ulcer include:  • Infection • Discoloration of skin • Open skin • Pain in the affected area • Abnormal change in skin texture • Reddened skin area

6. Diagnosis of Decubitis ulcer  A dermatologist will start the diagnosis of Decubitis ulcer by performing physical exam and asking about your medical history. In a physical exam a dermatologist will check for:  • Color of the skin • Size and depth of the skin • Infection and bleeding • If ulcer is affecting muscle or bone A dermatologist may also perform Tissue biopsy by taking the sample of the affected tissue and observing it under the microscope.

7. Treatments A patient’s treatment of Decubitis ulcer depends on its stage. Treatment of Decubitis ulcer may involve medications, therapies, and surgery.  • Anti-bacterial medicines to reduce the growth of infection • Debridement surgery for the removal of dead tissue • Pain killers to relive pain and discomfort • Avoid touching the ulcer • Regular dressing of wounds • Using anti-bacterial soap for cleaning the affected area

8. Prevention of Decubitis ulcer • Using cushions or foam pads to reduce pressure • Frequently changing the position • Eating nutritional diet and drinking excessive water • Regularly changing undergarments

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