Guide to Preventing Pressure Ulcers
Introduction
This page has been produced to help people become more aware of pressure ulcers and provide information to those who may be vulnerable. It also details what causes pressure ulcers and offers guidance on preventing them. It is not only the elderly who are at risk; pressure ulcers can affect anyone at any age. Please note that this page contains real-life medical photos, which some people may find upsetting. This booklet is not intended to replace advice or treatment given by your healthcare professional.
Did you know?
- Pressure ulcers cause patients long-term pain and distress, resulting in longer hospital stays
- Treating pressure ulcers costs the NHS more than £3.8 million every day
- In severe cases, pressure ulcers can become life-threatening
- Most pressure ulcers can be avoided
What is a pressure ulcer?
A pressure ulcer (also known as bedsore or pressure sore) is an area of damage to the skin and the underlying tissue, usually over a bony area of the body. Damage to the skin is most commonly caused by pressure or pressure in combination with shear or friction. Pressure ulcers range in severity from skin discolouration to severe open wounds where the muscle and bone are visible.
How can you spot a pressure ulcer?
On lighter skin, look for persistent red patches forming, which do not fade after the pressure is removed from that area. Look for bluish/purple patches on darker skin.
You should also look for
- Swellings
- Dry areas
- Blisters or areas of torn skin, which may be broken blisters
- Hard or soft patches of skin that feel unusually tough or spongy to the touch
- Change in skin colour
- Hot or cool areas over bony areas of the body
Who is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer?
Anyone can get a pressure ulcer, but those most at risk are:
- People who have difficulty moving or re-positioning themselves
- Those who cannot feel pain over part or all of their body
- Those who have limited bladder or bowel control
- People who are seriously ill or have had surgery
- Those with a poor diet and low fluid intake
- People who smoke
- Those with previous pressure ulcers and skin damage
- People with poor circulation
Did you know?
- Pressure ulcers cause patients long-term pain and distress, resulting in longer hospital stays
- Treating pressure ulcers costs the NHS more than £3.8 million every day
- In severe cases, pressure ulcers can become life-threatening
- Most pressure ulcers can be avoided
Where do pressure sores usually appear?
Pressure ulcers are more common over the bony parts of the body like the bottom, heel, elbow and shoulder. It is not uncommon for pressure ulcers to develop on the back of the ear or on other areas of the head. The three images below show where pressure ulcers are likely to appear when sitting, lying on your back or lying on your side.
If the skin is red and you are unsure if it is a pressure ulcer, press the finger lightly over the reddened area for 15 seconds, then lift off; if the area goes white, it is most likely not a pressure ulcer. If it stays red, it is likely to be a pressure ulcer and should be reported to a healthcare professional. If you notice any changes in your skin, you should inform a healthcare professional.
What causes pressure ulcers?
A combination of the following can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues:
- Pressure: Pressure is a direct (vertical) force which occurs when our skin makes contact with a surface, e.g. when sitting on a chair or lying on a mattress. Pressure causes the skin to compress or squash, restricting blood flow. Oxygen and nutrients are carried via the blood to our skin, thus, when pressure squashes the tissues, which make up our skin, the blood cannot transport the oxygen and nutrients, and the tissues become damaged.
- Shear: It is also a force but works in a different direction than pressure. Shear is a (parallel) or horizontal force which causes the skin and underlying tissues to stretch. Shear can occur when someone partially slips down the bed or chair. The skin can stay stuck to the mattress or cushion, distorting the underlying tissues.
- Friction: Friction is when the skin is rubbed against another surface and can occur when slipping down a chair or bed. This type of damage is usually quite superficial and should heal without problems. However, healing may be impaired for some ill or elderly people, and a shallow ulcer may progress to something more serious.
- Temperature: Increased body temperature is also thought to increase the risk of pressure ulcer development.
How can you spot a pressure ulcer?
On lighter skin, look for persistent red patches forming, which do not fade after the pressure is removed from that area (figure 1). Look for bluish or purple patches on darker skin.
You should also look for the following:
- Swellings
- Dry areas
- Blisters or areas of torn skin, which may be broken blisters
- Hard or soft patches of skin that feel unusually tough or spongy to the touch
- Change in skin colour
- Hot or cool areas over bony areas of the body
How can I reduce the risk of getting a pressure ulcer?
- Check the skin for signs of damage at least once a day if lying or sitting for long; if possible, stand and move around for five minutes every hour to get the blood flowing.
- Movement: make sure you turn and change position regularly to transfer your weight off bony areas. For example, rolling from side to side if in a bed every half an hour. This removes pressure and helps the blood flow.
- Repositioning in a wheelchair is recommended every 15-30 minutes, either rolling from side to side, leaning forward to relieve pressure off your bottom or lift-offs (pushing yourself up using the armrests to relieve pressure off your bottom).
- If you have to sit or lie for long periods of time, make sure you have a suitable cushion and mattress to help reduce the risk of damage (i.e. pressure reducing surfaces).
- Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
- Protect your skin: keep your skin clean and dry, and use mild soaps that do not dry out the skin carefully without rubbing hard. If you suffer from incontinence, immediately wash your skin with gentle soap and pat dry.
