What They Are A pressure ulcer or bedsore is an injury to the
skin or underlying tissue usually over a bony protruding area of
the body. Pressure ulcers can range in severity from minor skin
reddening to deep wounds. Factors that cause pressure ulcers are
unrelieved pressure on the skin, or slight rubbing or friction
on the skin. Who's At Risk Patient risk factors for the
development of pressure ulcers include age, immobility,
incontinence, poor nutrition, sensory problems, circulation
problems, dehydration and poor nutrition. Both wet skin and dry
skin may lead to the development of pressure ulcers. Pressure
ulcers in elderly individuals have been associated with
increased mortality rates. What's At Stake In fiscal year 2007,
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported
nearly 258,000 cases of preventable pressure ulcers as secondary
diagnoses for a patient's admission to the hospital. The
estimated cost to heal each ulcer is $43,000. The incidence of
pressure ulcers in patients in acute care