Pressure Sore Awareness

A pressure sore or pressure ulcer is damage to an area of the skin caused by constant pressure or friction against the area for a long time. This can restrict blood flow to the affected area and lead to tissue damage or, in more serious instances, necrosis. Pressure sores often form on the skin covering bony areas of the body that are less protected by fat, such as the back, tailbone, hips, buttocks, elbows, heels, and ankles. Individuals receiving bed care, with motor impairments that make them unable to change position, or who always use a wheelchair have an increased risk of pressure sores.

Prevention of pressure sores include regular positional changes to reduce the pressure applied to certain areas of the body, the use of supportive cushions, pads or mattresses, and ensuring that the skin is kept clean and dry. Individuals who are bedridden should be repositioned every 1-2 hours, whilst those in a wheelchair should be repositioned every 15-30 minutes to reduce the risks posed by pressure sores. It’s also important to check the skin of high-risk individuals daily for redness, irritation or early signs of damage, especially on bony areas.

Treatment of pressure sores depends largely on the location and severity of the sore. In the early stage of pressure sore formation, they can be managed by relieving pressure on the affected areas and ensuring the skin is clean, dry and adequately dressed. For more advanced pressure sores, medical intervention may be required to treat infections, manage pain and close wounds.