Other stages
In addition to the four main stages for bed sores, there are two others:
Unstageable is when you can’t see the bottom of the sore because it’s covered in a layer of dead skin. The doctor can only stage it once it’s cleaned out.
Suspected deep tissue injury is when the surface of the skin looks like a stage I or II sore, but underneath the surface, it’s a stage III or IV sore.
Stage 1
Stage 1 bedsores are usually mild, as the earliest and least severe stage, and can often be healed with simple remedies and changes to everyday habits. After treatment, these sores can be prevented from returning by regular skin checks and changes in position.
Treatment for bedsores from nursing homes focuses on relieving pressure, preventing infection, and promoting healing. Bedsores develop when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow, often affecting the heels, hips, ankles, and tailbone.
Stage 1 Bedsore Treatment Options
The first and most important thing to do with any pressure sore is to stop the pressure. Change the residents’ position or use foam pads, pillows, or mattresses.
If residents spend a lot of time in bed, try to turn at least once every 2 hours.
Have resident eat a diet high in protein, vitamins A and C, and the minerals iron and zinc. These are all good for the skin. Provide plenty of water.
Stage 2
Improperly treated stage 1 bedsores may progress into stage 2 bedsores. Stage 2 sores can often be treated easily and usually heal quickly with proper treatment. Bedsores are more common in older people and therefore are a significant issue in nursing homes.
Stage 2 Bedsore Treatment Options
Clean the wound with a saline (saltwater) solution and dry it gently. Keep the sore covered with a bandage. Ask the doctor what type is best, for example, films, gauze, gel, foam, or medicated.
Tell the doctor if signs of an infection exist, such as pus, fever, or redness.
Stage 3
A stage 3 bedsore, also known as a grade 3 pressure sore, has burrowed past the dermis (the skin’s second layer) and reached the subcutaneous tissue (fat layers) beneath.
Stage 3 Bedsore Treatment Options
With stage 3 pressure ulcer treatment, wound care is essential to start the healing process. Residents with stage 3 bedsores should be seen by a doctor right away.
Stage 3 bedsore treatment options include:
Antibiotics to fight infection
Debridement — the surgical removal of dead tissue
Special beds to help with recovery
Taking pressure off of the bedsore
Grade 3 pressure sore treatment can be difficult because deep sores often require surgery and heal slowly.
When to see a doctor
Any infection could lead to sepsis. Inform the doctor if a resident has symptoms of sepsis or an infection or wound that isn’t getting better. Symptoms such as confusion or fast breathing need emergency care. Don’t Just Hope For Change, Be The Change
Stage 4
A stage 4 bedsore is a deep wound reaching the muscles, ligaments, or bones. It is the most severe form of a bedsore (also called a bed sore, pressure sore, pressure ulcer, or decubitus ulcer.)
Stage 4 bedsores are the worst-case scenario: the blood supply has been so severely cut off that the wound tunnels down through all layers of the skin and exposes bone.
They often cause extreme pain, infection, and even death. Many patients must undergo invasive surgeries to survive stage 4 bedsores.
Stage 4 Bedsore Treatment Options
Tell the doctor right away. These wounds need immediate attention, and resident may need surgery.