The amount of time it takes for bed sores to heal really depends on three things:
- How serious the bed sore is;
- What type of lifestyle the patient has and what co-occurring conditions they have;
- What treatment was provided for the wound.
Once a bed sore is suspected, treatment should be started immediately for the best possible outcome. Bed sores can have a significant impact to a patient’s health and delaying treatment can allow bedsores to worsen, which can cause healing times to increase, or can allow more serious conditions to develop, such as sepsis, osteomyelitis, and gangrene.
In general, the more severe a bed sore is, the longer it will take to heal.
Stage 1 bed sores will heal quickly, within a week, if quick action is taken. Patients should be rotated every two hours to relieve pressure to the affected areas and skin should be checked frequently.
Stage 2 bed sores will have skin that has begun to break down. Blood flow to the affected area has been compromised and deep tissue damage has started. The healing process for Stage 2 bed sores can take anywhere from days to approximately six weeks and involves frequent position changes, use of pillows, wedges, and mattress pads to reduce pressure, and saline washes with proper wound dressings.
Stage 3 bed sores will have skin that is torn and will have a crater-like appearance. This stage has an increased risk of infection and the healing time can take months. Medical intervention is essential to the healing of Stage 3 bed sores, but it is important to note, though, that when bed sores reach Stage 3, they may not ever heal completely.
Stage 4 bed sores are the most severe. The crater-like appearance will expose fat, muscle, tendon, and bone, and the surrounding tissues are likely to be severely affected. Infection and complications are common at this stage. Healing prognosis is poor and will often require aggressive medical interventions such as surgery, skin grafts, or muscle flap treatment. If Stage 4 bed sores are properly cared for, it can take years for these wounds to heal.
If your loved one developed bed sores in a nursing home or assisted living facility you may have a claim for negligence. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your case and advise you as to what options you may have.
If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. America’s Consumer Lawyer, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.
