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?
What to look for?
Any person at any age could be at risk of
A pressure injury may cause changes in the:
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
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 tailbone. A pressure injury, however, can occur anywhere there is continued pressure Lying in bed
applied to the skin.
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. Sitting
Lying on your back
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.
Sitting up in bed
Lying on your side
How to prevent a pressure injury? Keep moving and reposition yourself as often as you can, even small movements will help.
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
Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of protein and
to help reduce your risk of pressure injury. The
vegetables, and also drink fluids regularly.
Occupational Therapist will conduct an assessment
Sitting in a chair Change your position at least every 30 minutes.
to determine the aid or equipment suitable for your unique needs and situation.
Standing up and walking around is best, however
Immediately advise your Care Facilitator or
if you can’t, then shifting your weight forward or
HealthCare professional if you notice any of the
side to side for a few minutes will assist to relieve
skin changes noted in the ‘What to look for’
pressure from your bottom and hips.
section above.