A pressure ulcer is damage to the skin and the deeper layer of tissue under the skin. This happens when pressure is applied to the same area of skin over a period of time and cuts off its blood supply. It is more likely if a person has to stay in a bed or chair for a long time. Pressure ulcers are sometimes called ‘bed sores’ or ‘pressure sores’.
Apart from continued pressure on an area the following may also cause pressure ulcers
- Sliding or slumping down a bed or chair. This can cause damage to the skin and deeper layers of tissue by shearing
- Poor moving and handling methods can create friction and cause the removal of the top layer of skin or blisters
Without care pressure ulcers can become very serious, leading to damage to the muscle or bone underneath the skin and life threatening infections. They can take a very long time to heal.
To prevent pressure ulcers getting worse it is extremely important that they are treated as soon as they appear.
Anyone can get a pressure ulcer but some people are more likely to develop one than others (they might be referred to as at risk). You might be more at risk if you:
- Have problems moving or changing position without help
- Cannot feel pain over all or part of your body
- Have problems controlling your bladder or bowels
- Are seriously ill
- Have had an operation
- Have had an epidural or medications which reduce your ability to move and sensitivity to pain
- Have had a pressure ulcer before
- Have existing broken skin
- Have poor circulation
- Have a poor diet and don’t drink enough water
- Have problems with memory and understanding (such as with dementia)
- Have an injury that affects how you move
There are lots of other reasons why you might be at risk. If you are at risk of developing a pressure ulcer your health care professional will explain the reasons for this.
Some people are at ‘high risk’ of developing pressure ulcers. The more problems listed above that you have the more likely you are to be high risk.
If you are admitted to hospital or go into a care home you should be assessed to see whether you are at risk as soon as possible after your admission. If you are seen by a district nurse in your own home you will also be assessed.