Zinc deficiency exacerbates pressure ulcers by increasing oxidative stress and ATP in the skin

Owing to age-related changes, such as loss of fat and muscle mass, bone protrusion, perceptual loss, and impaired immune function and wound-healing ability, elderly people are prone to develop pressure ulcers (PUs), also known as decubitus ulcers. In aging society, the prevention, treatment, and management of PUs has become important more than ever. In the early stage of PUs formation, non-blanchable erythema and/or purpuric lesions appear in the skin subjected to external pressure, and skin ulcers subsequently develop after 2-3 weeks [1].

Source: Journal of Dermatological Science - July 11, 2019 Category: Dermatology Authors: Hideharu Nakamura, Akiko Sekiguchi, Youichi Ogawa, Tatsuyoshi Kawamura, Ryoko Akai, Takao Iwawaki, Takaya Makiguchi, Satoshi Yokoo, Osamu Ishikawa, Sei-ichiro Motegi Source Type: research