A pressure ulcer is an area of skin and tissue that becomes injured or broken down. Generally, pressure ulcers occur when a person is in a sitting or lying position for too long without shifting his or her weight. The constant pressure against the skin causes a decreased blood supply to that area. Without a blood supply, the area cannot survive and the affected tissue dies. The most common places for pressure ulcers are over bony prominences (bones close to the skin), such as the elbow, heels, hips, ankles, shoulders, back, and the back of the head.
Prevention
Education of at-risk patients and their families is the most productive way to prevent pressure ulcers. Steps toward prevention include:
Identifying individuals at high risk for pressure ulcers. Ensuring that immobile patients change their position at least every two hours to relieve pressure. Using items that can help reduce pressure caused by bedsheets and wheelchairs (e.g., pillows, sheepskin, foam padding, and powder to relieve pressure). Making sure patients eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Encouraging daily exercise, including range-of-motion exercises for immobile patients. Following good skin care, including inspecting the skin every day and keeping skin clean and dry. Incontinent people need to take extra steps to limit areas of moisture.