Even if I'm careful to help prevent my grandmother from developing bedsores or pressure sores, what are some of the complications that can occur?

A: Unfortunately, even the most conscientious care can't always prevent serious or life-threatening infections of the skin, muscle or bone. Some of the complications that can still occur include:

    •    Cellulitis: Cellulitis is an acute infection of the skin's connective tissue, which causes pain, redness and swelling, all of which can be severe. Cellulitis can also lead to life-threatening complications that include sepsis and meningitis, which is an infection of the membrane and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.

    •    Bone and joint infections: These issues can develop when the infection from a bedsore or pressure sore burrows deep into the joints and bones. Joint infections (septic or infectious arthritis) can damage cartilage and tissue, whereas bone infections (osteomyelitis) can reduce the function of one's joints and limbs.

    •    Sepsis: Sepsis is one of the biggest dangers of an advanced pressure sore. Sepsis occurs when bacteria enters your bloodstream through the broken skin and spreads throughout the body, and this infection is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock and organ failure.

    •    Cancer: Cancer is usually an aggressive carcinoma that affects the skin's squamous cells.