FAQs - Pressure ulcers
NB: It is important that you consult your doctor or nurse if you are concerned about any of the under-mentioned health issues. This is only to be used as an aide memoire and not to replace a clinical judgment.
Q. How do pressure/bed sores form?
A. Pressure sores develop when pressure is exerted against the bony parts of the body. This causes an interruption to the flow of blood from the small blood vessels to the skin and muscle. This can happen if you are confined to bed or chair for an extended period of time. The blood supplies the skin and muscle with the food and oxygen it requires to keep it healthy.
Pressure sores can also occur if blood vessels are squeezed or twisted, which slows down or stops the flow of blood. This is what happens if you (or your carer) drag your skin along the bed or chair - this is called friction.
It also happens when you slip down the bed - this is called shear.
Q. On which parts of the body will pressure sores develop?
A. Areas more likely to develop pressure sores are heels, elbows, shoulders and the bony parts of your bottom (the areas that are in contact with your bed or chair, or where two bony areas are in contact with each other).
Q. To what grades/stages can pressure sores develop?
A.
Grade I: It appears as reddened area of skin which remains red after the removal of a few seconds' finger pressure. This is classified as Non-Blanching erythema. Prolonged tissue compression has caused damage to the capillaries, but as yet the epidermis remains intact.
Grade II: In this case there is a breach of the epidermis and exposure of pain receptors.
Grade III: The damage extends through the dermis into the underlying fat and the deeper tissues and structures may be exposed.
Grade IV: The damage extends into any tissue present (fat, muscle and underlying bone). There is a danger of osteomyelitis developing.
Q. Am I likely to develop a pressure sore?
A. You may be at risk from pressure sores developing if:
- You have had an long illness that has left you debilitated. This may result in you being confined to bed or a chair for long periods.
- You are under-nourished.
- You are overweight.
- You have difficulty with mobility.
- You are Incontinent. This can leave your skin wet which makes it more prone to superficial damage.
- You have poor circulation.
Q. How can I prevent Pressure Sores Developing?
A. If you can you should:
- Keep mobile or move your position regularly to relieve the pressure (at least every couple of hours while you are awake). This will assist in keeping the heart pumping blood to the skin and muscle.
- Keep your skin clean and dry, avoiding the problem of the skin becoming hot and sticky.
- Eat wisely and drink plenty of fluids unless you have been advised differently.
- When you are seated try to maintain a good posture. Change your position or stand at intervals if at all possible.
- Your chair or cushion should be able to distribute your weight and reduce pressure. Please remember that when you are sitting, 75% of your weight is concentrated on one area.
- Ensure the mattress on your bed has pressure-reducing qualities and can distribute your weight over the maximum surface area. This will not happen if you are sleeping on a hard uncompromising surface.
Q. Will I get a pressure sore?
A. The fact is that the majority of pressure sores are preventable.
The best ways to prevent pressure sores are to:
- Listen to and implement the advice given to you by your doctor or nurse.
- Correctly use the equipment you buy or are allocated.
- Generally take good care of yourself.
