Pressure Ulcers is sometimes misdiagnosed as Skin Tears

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Skin Tears, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Pressure Ulcers.

Pressure ulcers or bedsores are mainly caused by prolonged bed rest which is mostly caused by a medical condition which also makes changing sleeping or resting positions difficult. Bedsores are diagnosed by a doctor upon checking the wound. Treatment options include creams and general wound care. Infection prevention measures are also important. Changing patient position during hospital or bed stay to make sure there is no continuous pressure on one part of the body is important in healing as well as prevention.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Skin areas feeling cooler or warmer than others, tender areas, unusual changes in skin colour or texture, swelling, pus-like draining

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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