Disease or Syndrome
pressure ulcer
pres·sure ul·cer [ presh-er uhl-ser ]
Subclass of:
Skin Ulcer
Also called:
Bed sores; Decubitus ulcers; Pressure ulcers
Definitions related to pressure ulcer:
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(decubitus) Skin damage generally present over a bony prominence that is associated with uninterrupted external pressure.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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(pressure sore) Death of tissue due to external pressure.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A type of ulcer that is caused when an area of skin is subject to pressure over a prolonged period of time, ranging in range in severity from patches of discolored skin to open wounds that expose the underlying bone or muscle. The most common sites are the sacrum, coccyx, heels and the hips.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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An ulceration caused by prolonged pressure on the SKIN and TISSUES when one stays in one position for a long period of time, such as lying in bed. The bony areas of the body are the most frequently affected sites which become ischemic (ISCHEMIA) under sustained and constant pressure.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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(pressure sores) Pressure sores are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for too long. They commonly form where your bones are close to your skin, such as your ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. You are at risk if you are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are unable to change your position. Pressure sores can cause serious infections, some of which are life-threatening. They can be a problem for people in nursing homes. You can prevent the sores by Keeping skin clean and dry; Changing position every two hours; Using pillows and products that relieve pressure. Pressure sores have a variety of treatments. Advanced sores are slow to heal, so early treatment is best.MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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(decubitus ulcer) Ulceration caused by prolonged pressure in patients permitted to lie too still for a long period of time; bony prominences of the body are the most frequently affected sites; ulcer is caused by ischemia of the underlying structures of the skin, fat, and muscles as a result of the sustained and constant pressure.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Pressure sores are areas of skin damage resulting from a lack of blood flow due to prolonged pressure. Pressure sores often result from pressure combined with pulling on the skin, friction, and moisture, particularly over bony areas.Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Bedsores - also called pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers - are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Pressure ulcers have been defined by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel as localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or of pressure in combination with shear.Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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Bedsore, an ulceration of skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure that limits the blood supply to the affected area. As the name indicates, bedsores are a particular affliction for persons who have been bedridden for a long time. The interference with normal blood flow is caused by the...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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