Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day

What is a Pressure Injury?

Pressure injuries are wounds that occur when the skin and tissue are damaged by prolonged pressure, usually on bony areas like the back, heels, ankles, hips and tailbone.

Also known as bedsores, pressure sores, pressure areas, or pressure ulcers

Primary factors contributing to pressure injuries are:

Pressure: With constant Pressure on the body parts decreases the blood flow to skin tissues because of which the oxygen and necessary nutrients will not reach the tissues resulting in damage and eventual death of the tissues.

Friction: the fragile skin will be vulnerable to injuries caused due to skin rubbing against clothes or bed linens.

Shear: a Shear may develop when two surfaces skin and the surface below move in the opposite directions.

Why is it so important to spot them early & manage them well?

They can develop in a matter of hours and can take months to heal if not treated quickly.

A pressure area can lead to many complications, including needing surgery and long-term bed rest

How can you prevent them?

Prevent them by checking skin regularly if possible (with a mirror) or your support person checking for you

Know what to look for

Frequently reposition yourself to avoid stress on the skin

Maintain good nutrition and fluid intake

Quit smoking

Manage stress

Signs of a pressure area

Reddish skin

Dark scab

Chronic wound or swelling

Tender skin

Pus-filled blisters

Who is most likely to get one?

They can affect anyone who stays in bed or a chair for a long time, but are more common in older people, people with diabetes, or people with poor circulation or mobility, such as people with a spinal cord injury. Malnutrition and anemia can also be a risk factor.

How do our services help?

If you notice any of the signs above and think you are developing a pressure area – you can contact us directly (03 3350541).