If you’re caring for a loved one who is bedridden or in a wheelchair, you’ve probably worried about bedsores ulcers. These pressure wounds are more than just painful—they can become life-threatening if not treated correctly.
This article answers two urgent questions:
1.How do I treat a bedsore that has been there for a long time?
2.Can bedsores actually lead to death?
How to Treat a Long-Lasting Bedsore Ulcer
First, it’s important to know that prevention is always better than treatment. Bedsores (also called pressure ulcers) form when constant pressure cuts off blood flow to an area, killing the tissue. They can start in as little as 10 minutes.
But if a wound has already formed and isn’t healing, here’s what to do:
1. Remove ALL Pressure
This is the most important step. You must keep all weight and pressure off the wound until it is completely healed. This isn’t about shifting position now and then; it means the wound should never be pressed against the bed or chair.
2. Keep It Clean and Air It Out
•Gently clean the wound daily with a very mild cleanser.
•If you use a bandage, make sure it allows air to reach the skin. Change it at least twice a day.
•For shallow wounds, a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin can help.
3. Get Professional Help Immediately
This is not a situation for home remedies. Bedsores are serious. You need an experienced doctor or nurse to:
•Look at the wound regularly.
•Tell if dead tissue needs to be removed.
•Watch for signs of infection getting worse.
4. Special Equipment Can Help
An alternating air pressure mattress or cushion can make a huge difference. It constantly shifts pressure points, which helps prevent new sores and helps heal existing ones. A simple air mattress is not enough.
Can Bedsores Lead to Death?
The short and scary answer is yes.
While a Stage 1 or 2 bedsore is painful but rarely fatal, a severe, untreated bedsore can lead to death. Here’s how:
An open wound is a doorway for infection. If that infection spreads to your bloodstream, it causes a condition called sepsis. Sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Other deadly complications include:
•Gangrene (tissue death)
•Bone infections
•Blood poisoning
The statistics are sobering:
•Over 60,000 people die each year from bedsore complications. That’s about one person every nine minutes.
•More than 55% of nursing home residents with an infected bedsore die within six weeks.
•For those with a severe sore for over six months, the mortality rate rises to 75%.
Those most at risk are people over 64 with existing health problems like poor circulation, lung disease, kidney issues, or poor nutrition.
The Bottom Line: Prevention and Vigilance Save Lives
Bedsores are a sign that a person is not moving enough. The development of a sore often means the care they are receiving is inadequate.
To prevent bedsores:
•Reposition someone who can’t move themselves at least every hour.
•Check their skin daily for early signs: redness, tenderness, or discoloration that doesn’t fade when you press it.
•Keep skin clean and dry, especially if they are incontinent.
•Ensure good nutrition and hydration—healthy skin is more resilient.
•Use proper support surfaces like pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions.
If you see a bedsore on a loved one in a care facility, it is a red flag. Speak to the staff immediately and ensure they get professional medical attention. In severe cases, neglect that leads to bedsores can be considered abuse.
Your vigilance and advocacy can be the difference between a quick recovery and a tragic outcome. Always seek professional medical guidance.
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