BED-SORE, a form of ulceration or sloughing occurring in persons who, through sickness or old age, are confined to bed, and resulting from pressure or irritation by faeces or urine. Bed-sores denote a low nutritive condition of the tissues. They may occur wherever there is pressure, and lack of cleanliness is an important factor in their production. Nevertheless, where the lower reflex arc is broken by lesion of the spinal cord or of posterior nerves or nerve-roots bed-sores of unusual severity and rapid onset are almost inevitable. All parts subjected to pressure or friction must be frequently washed with soap and warm water, and dried with a warm, soft towel. The part should then be bathed in a solution of corrosive sublimate in spirits of wine and, finally, dusted with an oxide of zinc and starch powder. Pressure may be relieved over bony prominences by a water or air pillow. Where bed-sore threatens, the skin becomes dead white or dusky red and the redness does not disappear on pressure. The surrounding tissues become oedematous and pain is often severe, except in paralysis. As the condition progresses, pain ceases, the epidermis becomes raised as in a blister, and finally becomes detached. Even now actual ulceration can be prevented if proper care be taken ; but failing this, the skin sloughs and an ulcer forms. In treating this, the position of the patient must be such that no pressure is allowed on the sloughing tissue, and the parts should be dusted with animal charcoal and iodoform and protected with a dry dressing.
When the slough has separated and the sore is clean, friar's bal sam may hasten healing.