Decubitus Ulcer

A Decubitus Ulcer is a pressure sore or what is commonly called a "bedsore". It can range from a very mild pink coloration of the skin, which disappears in a few hours after pressure is relieved on the area, to a very deep wound extending to the subcutaneous layer, and sometimes through a bone or into internal organs. These ulcers, as well as other wound types, are classified in stages according to the severity of the wound.

These lesions may be caused by many factors such as: unrelieved pressure; friction; humidity; shearing forces; temperature; age; continence and medication, to any part of the body, especially portions over bony or cartilaginous areas such as sacrum, elbows, knees, ankles, etc. Although easily prevented and completely treatable if found early, bedsores are often fatal - even under the auspices of medical care - and are one of the leading iatrogenic causes of death reported in developed countries, second only to adverse drug reactions.


[External Links]
Information derived from nlm.nih.gov
Prevention and Treatment of Bedsores
Complete information about Decubitus Ulcer from emedicine.medscape.com