Pressure Ulcer Prevention Information for Patients and Carers
What is a Pressure Ulcer?
A pressure ulcer is a sore on the skin. Some people call it a bedsore. It can happen if someone stays in the same position for too long, like lying in bed or sitting in a chair without moving much. This puts pressure on one part of the body and squashes the skin and tiny blood vessels, stopping blood from reaching that area. When this happens, the skin might change colour, become sore, or even turn into an open wound. If that happens, a nurse may need to clean it and put on dressings to help it heal. Pressure ulcers can happen at home, but you’re more at risk in hospital because you may not be feeling well or moving as much. That’s why nurses will check your skin often and help you change position to stop pressure ulcers from developing.
Skin is a bit like a peach – when it’s healthy, it’s soft and firm. But if a pressure ulcer develops, the skin can darken and feel mushy, just like a peach that’s beginning to rot. That’s why it’s important to Stay Peachy!
What to look out for
Pressure ulcers often start as a patch of skin that looks red, purple, or darker than normal. It might also look like a blister or a small open sore. The area could feel warmer than the skin around it, and it may be sore, painful, or feel softer or harder than usual.
Pressure ulcers often appear on bony parts of the body, like the heels, elbows, spine, bottom, or hips. This is because these areas get pressed the most when you’re lying or sitting, and the skin gets squashed by your body weight.
If not treated early, the sore can become very deep and sometimes reaches the fatty layer or even muscle or bone. Deep pressure ulcers are severe and can lead to serious infections, so it’s important to prevent them or spot them early and get help.
Make sure you eat well
To help keep your skin healthy and to help it to heal, make sure to eat plenty of foods high in proteins (such as meat, cheese, yoghurt, beans, and nuts) and vitamins (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
If you think you aren’t eating very well, please speak to a nurse or doctor and you may be given supplements to help.
5 Things to remember:
- Either get up and move or completely change your position in the bed or chair every 30 minutes to an hour and this will relieve the pressure. If you can’t move yourself, nurses will be able to help you.
- Eat healthy because this protects the skin and helps your skin to heal.
- Look and check your skin regularly for any signs of red or purple skin. Ask a nurse or a carer to look at your bottom and heels as these places can be hard to see!
- Keep your skin clean and dry – moisture can make skin more likely to develop a wound. Make sure you don’t sit in a soaking wet pad.
- If you’re concerned tell a healthcare professional – while you’re in hospital speak to the nurses or doctors, but if you’ve been discharged home, please speak to your GP, nurse or carers if you notice any changes to your skin.
Sometimes pressure ulcers, or other wounds can become infected. If not treated the infection could make you very unwell! Make sure you are seen urgently by a nurse or doctor if you notice the following:
- Any new extreme heat or swelling around the wound
- Growing redness or new purple/brown/black in or around the wound
- Unusual pus coming out of the wound
- You feel like you have a high temperature and suddenly feel generally unwell
- You have new increased intense pain around the wound
If you are at home, urgently speak to your GP or call 111.
Want more information?
For further information visit:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores
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