Preventing pressure injuries
What is a pressure injury?
A pressure injury (also called a bed sore, or ulcer) is a painful wound which affects your skin and the tissue underneath. Pressure injuries can happen quickly and are caused by constant, unrelieved pressure or shear forces on any part of your body. If you sit or lay down in the same position for an extended period of time, you are at risk of developing a pressure injury. Pressure injuries can be painful, take a long time to heal and may lead to other complications.
Who is at risk?
Any person at any age could be at risk of developing a pressure injury. However there are some factors which can increase your risk of developing a pressure injury, such as:
y Limited mobility
y Urinary or faecal incontinence
y Poor circulation and/or sensation
y Being over or under weight
y History of a previous pressure injury.
What to look for?
A pressure injury may cause changes in the:
y Colour of your skin – it may look red, purple or blue
y Temperature of your skin – it may feel hotter or colder than the surrounding skin
y Appearance of your skin – it may be broken, blistered, swollen, have calluses, shiny areas or dry patches
y Sensation of your skin – there may be tenderness, itching or pain over affected areas.
Where to look?
Pressure injuries usually occur over the bony areas of your body; such as the heels, elbows, hips, buttocks and tail bone. A pressure injury, however, can occur anywhere there is continued pressure applied to the skin.
How to prevent a pressure injury?
Keep moving and reposition yourself as often as you can, even small movements will help.
Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of protein and vegetables, and also drink fluids regularly.
Sitting in a chair
Change your position at least every 30 minutes. Standing up and walking around is best, however if you can’t, then shifting your weight forward or side to side for a few minutes will assist to relieve pressure from your bottom and hips.
Lying in bed
Try to change your position at least every one to two hours. Laying on your side can relieve pressure from your hips, bottom and heels.
Try to avoid sitting up in bed for an extended period of time, as this can place increased pressure on your bottom and hips.
Caring for your skin
Check your skin regularly or ask a family member or carer to check for signs of pressure injury. Keep your skin clean and dry - use a mild skin cleanser and moisturiser to avoid your skin becoming dry or flaky.
If required, change your continence pads regularly.
Ensure you use warm, not hot water, in baths and showers.
Aids and equipment
An Occupational Therapist can recommend items such as special cushions or mattresses to help reduce your risk of pressure injury.
The Occupational Therapist will conduct an assessment to determine the aid or equipment suitable for your unique needs and situation.
Immediately advise your Care Facilitator or HealthCare professional if you notice any of the skin changes noted in the ‘What to look for’ section above.
Sitting Lying on your back
Sitting up in bed Lying on your side