How to Heal a Bedsore
Gregg Hollander | August 8, 2022 | Personal Injury
Bedsores can develop quickly or over time, and when left untreated, they may worsen and lead to further health complications.
If you or a loved one has suffered a bedsore due to someone’s negligence, you may have the opportunity to seek legal recourse. Discuss your case with a qualified personal injury lawyer in Florida.
What Is a Bedsore?
Bedsores, also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are sores affecting the skin and underlying tissue.
These sores usually occur from persistent pressure on one area of the body, from either lying down or sitting in one position for too long. Constant body weight in a particular area can cut off blood supply and result in an ulcer.
Treatment Depends on the Stage of the Bedsore
When diagnosing a bedsore, a doctor will examine the ulcer and determine what stage it is currently in. Every stage comes with different symptoms and treatments. The sooner the bedsore is discovered, the better — immediate treatment can help prevent the sore from worsening.
Stage One
Stage one is the mildest stage of a bedsore. When a bedsore is stage one, it only affects the top layer of the skin.
Symptoms of stage one bedsores include pain, burning, and itching. Additionally, the sore will likely feel or look different than the surrounding skin.
If you have a stage one sore, it is important to stop pressure in that area. Change your position and move around frequently if possible. Wash the sore with mild soap and water and try to keep the area clean.
A stage one sore may go away in just a few days with proper care.
Stage Two
A stage two bedsore has started to penetrate the tissue beneath the skin’s surface.
Symptoms of a stage two bedsore can include any of the following:
- Broken skin
- An open wound
- A blister filled with pus
- Swelling in the area
- Redness
- Pain
Treatment for a stage two bedsore is similar to stage one, but you’ll want to clean the ulcer with a salt-water solution. You may also want to keep the sore covered while it heals.
Stage two bedsores can take a bit longer to heal, usually within three days to a few weeks.
Stage Three
A stage three bedsore has gone deeper into the underlying layers of the skin, often reaching the fatty tissue.
Symptoms of a stage three bedsore are more severe and usually involve:
- A hollow, crater-like sore
- Foul odor
- Signs of infection (redness, pus, heat, drainage)
Additionally, if the tissue around the bedsore is black, this means it has died.
Stage three bedsores require more medical care, especially if the tissue has died. A doctor may need to remove the dead tissue and prescribe antibiotics.
Depending on the severity of the sore, it can take one to four months to heal.
Stage Four
Stage four bedsores are the most serious of all. These sores can penetrate the deepest, often getting to the muscles and ligaments.
Stage four bedsores are even bigger and deeper than stage three sores. You’ll likely see dead, black tissue and signs of infection. In the most serious cases, muscle and bone may become exposed.
When a bedsore reaches stage four, it requires immediate medical attention. These sores often require surgery.
A stage four bedsore can take three months to several years to heal, depending on the severity and treatment needed.
Discuss Your Bedsore Case with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has developed serious bedsores due to someone’s negligence, discuss the situation with a personal injury attorney.
Certain individuals, including the elderly in nursing homes and those with limited mobility, are most at risk for developing bedsores. These patients commonly require extensive care, and if a caretaker has caused them harm, that caretaker may be held accountable for their actions.
Bedsores can be serious and lead to further health complications. Consult a personal injury attorney right away.
Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm in South Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the West Palm Beach nursing home abuse lawyers at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers at the location nearest you for a free consultation:
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
1975 E Sunrise Blvd Suite 702
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 287-0566
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873
