What are the Stages of Bedsores? Are they preventable? Treatable (2025)

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Stage 1 bedsores are the initial signs of skin damage caused by prolonged pressure on a specific body area. They typically appear as a flat, reddened patch on the skin’s surface. Imagine a red spot that may feel warm, soft, or dry.

Treatment for Stage 1 pressure ulcers includes cleaning the area, applying a dressing, and repositioning the patient to relieve pressure from the affected area. Other treatment options include topical medications or creams, special cushions, or pressure-relieving mattresses.

Stage 2 pressure ulcers present as an open wound with a shallow crater and may include red or discolored skin areas. Treatment for stage 2 pressure ulcers may include cleaning and applying a dressing. Again, removing pressure from the affected area is critical to prevent further agitation of this area.

Sometimes the wound may need to be debrided or surgically excised to promote healing. Debridement is the process of removing dead tissue to promote healing. Additional nutritional support and wound care protocols encourage healing.

Stage 3 pressure ulcers can present with extreme pain, redness and swelling, drainage from the wound, and a foul odor. The prognosis for stage 3 pressure ulcers can often be good. However, the healing process can take several weeks or months. If not identified and treated immediately, serious complications, such as infection, sepsis, or even death, can occur.

If you have questions regarding an incident involving a Stage 3 Bedsore, call Jack Novak, Esq. Malpractice by healthcare providers, such as failures to assess, diagnose, or treat, causes delays and makes a difference in whether a condition is permanently life-altering.

Stage 4 pressure ulcers are severe and life-threatening wounds that go beyond the surface and damage deeper tissues, such as muscles and bones. They may show symptoms similar to stage 3 ulcers but with additional signs like blackened or necrotic tissue, deep cavities, or exposed bone or muscle. Treatment for stage 4 ulcers is more extensive and may involve surgeries like skin grafts or flaps.

The prognosis is generally poor, with healing taking months or even years and a high risk of complications. Factors affecting the prognosis include malpractice, overall health, and the extent of the ulcer. Prevention is crucial through early identification, proper positioning, nutrition, and wound care.