Pressure Sore Infections

A pressure sore which becomes infected can not only slow the healing process, but also create additional complications, some of which can be life threatening.  Telling signs that a pressure sore may be infected include:

• an increase in the size or drainage of the sore
• increased redness around the sore
• areas of blackness beginning to develop
• the sore has a foul odor
• drainage turns a greenish color
• patient develops a fever

Complications that can arise from a pressure sore infection can include a prolonged time of bed rest because of the slow healing.   A severe infection can result in amputation of the affected area.  Additionally, the infection may spread to other areas of the body and result in the following:

• SEPSIS – Bacteria from the wound site enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.  Sepsis can be life-threatening, as it progresses rapidly and may induce organ failure.
• CELLULITIS – An acute infection of the skin’s connective tissue which can lead to sepsis or meningitis.
• BONE & JOINT INFECTIONS – The infection tunnels down to the bone or joints and can damage cartilage and tissue resulting in reduced functioning of the joints and limbs.
• CANCER –   Nonhealing, chronic wounds are susceptible to a form of cellular cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) that can be agressive and require surgical treatment.