The body weight applies pressure to the parts that come into contact with the bed when lying down. Staying in the same position for a long time in people who are bedridden or wheelchair dependent causes body weight to apply pressure to the same areas. This leads to disruption of blood circulation and tissue feeding in pressure zones, damage to skin and subcutaneous tissue, and consequently to the opening of bed sores. Friction also prepares the ground for the formation of bed sores. In addition, sweat, urine and feces coming into contact with the skin triggers the formation of bed sores. Infection of the wound is also common.
Although pressure sores appear to be a problem for chronic patients, the onset of ulcers often coincides with the acute phase of the disease. This is because attention is directed to the patient’s primary problem during acute illness and the risk of developing ulcers is not taken into account.
