Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Prolonged exposure to pressure, friction, shear forces, or a combination of these factors results in inadequate blood flow to the affected area. Consequences include:
- Reduced blood flow to the tissue
- Reperfusion injury
- Disruption of lymphatic drainage
This leads to ulceration (ulceration), possibly the formation of necrosis (local tissue death).
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Age – with increasing age, the risk is increased due to disease, lack of exercise, etc.
Behavioral causes
- Nutrition
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients.
- Immobilization / lack of movement
- Underweight (BMI < 18.5)
Disease-related favoring factors
Blood, hematopoietic organs – immune system (D50-D90).
- Anemia (anemia)
Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90).
- Desiccosis (dehydration).
- Diabetes mellitus
- Malnutrition
- Cachexia (emaciation)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- Existing skin defects
- Keratolysis – dissolution of the cornea
Mouth, esophagus (food pipe), stomach and intestines (K00-K67; K90-K93).
- Fecal incontinence
Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- Restricted mobility, unspecified.
Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99).
- Clouding of consciousness, unspecified
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Sensory disorders, unspecified
- Perceptual disorders
Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).
- Fever
Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – reproductive organs) (N00-N99)
- Urinary incontinence
Other causes
- Acute diseases, unspecified
- General dystrophy
- Chronic diseases, unspecified
- Ill-fitting aids such as prostheses.
Medication
- Drug side effects of:
- Analgesics (painkillers)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac.
- Sedatives/hypnotics (tranquilizers/sleeping pills).
- Sympathomimetics such as epinephrine, norepinephrine.