Pressure Sores

A Pressure Sore is a sore that develops on the skin and underlying tissue due to unrelieved pressure. The skin and tissues rely on an adequate blood supply for oxygen and nutrients. When tissues are compressed for an extended period, blood supply can be cut off, leading to development of a sore.

Causes

Pressure Sores result from lying or sitting in one position for too long a time. Prolonged pressure cuts off the blood supply to tissues that are compressed between a bony area and a mattress, chair, or other object. Without oxygen and nutrients, the tissue starts to die.
Several factors contribute to the development of Pressure Sores including:
  • Inability to change position or to feel discomfort caused by pressure (People with normal mobility and sensation change position automatically, without thinking.)
  • Friction – Even friction from pulling someone across bed sheets can damage small blood vessels that supply the skin tissue.
    Poor nutrition
  • Moisture – From sweating or leakage of urine or stool.
  • Obesity – Extra weight increases pressure on the skin over the bones and joints.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Immobility, such as being bed- or chair-bound
  • Sensory loss
  • Poor nutrition
  • Incontinence, or leakage of urine or stool
  • Advanced age
  • Chronic or complex medical problems, such as:
    • Anemia
    • Infection
    • Poor circulation
    • Dementia
    • Cancer
    • Diabetes
    • Stroke
    • Spinal cord injury or paralysis
  • Bone fracture
  • Swelling or water retention
  • Dry skin

Symptoms

Symptoms of a pressure ulcer may include:
  • Skin tissue that feels firm or boggy
  • Local redness, warmth, tenderness or swelling
  • Redness or purplish skin discoloration, often over a bony area
  • Pain or itching of the skin
  • Blistering, sores, skin breakdown or drainage
If the redness remains a half hour after the pressure has been removed, the skin will likely break down. The reddened area may blister and a shallow ulcer may develop. Fluid may drain. The wound can deepen and can extend through fat and muscle to the bone. The area may be painful. The wound can become infected, with redness, odor, pus, warmth and fever. If untreated, the infection can progress to gangrene or a blood infection.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will examine the ulcer and note the size, stage, location and any formation of pockets or cavities. Pressure sores are staged according to the depth and tissues that are involved.
Tests may include:
  • Wound culture – taking a sample of material from a sore to be tested for bacteria
  • Blood tests – to check for infection and nutritional status
  • X-ray – if bone infection is suspected

Treatment

Treatment aims to heal the wound, avoid complications, and prevent future pressure sores. In many cases, a caregiver will provide care for your Pressure Sores.
Treatment includes:
Positioning
  • Avoid placing any weight or pressure on the wound.
  • Change position at least every two hours, around the clock.
  • Maintain good body alignment, using pillows and foam pads.
  • Make sure bedclothes are clean and without wrinkles.
  • You may need a special mattress.
Hygiene
Wash soiled skin after each bowel movement and urination. Wash with mild soap and warm water. Rinse well. Pat dry. Do not rub. Apply lotion as recommended by the doctor.
Wound Care
A nurse or doctor will teach you or your caregiver how to tend to the sore. Some basic instructions include:
  • Clean the sore, remove dead tissue, and apply a dressing.
  • Do not put anything else on the ulcer.
  • Wash hands before and after performing wound care.
  • Clean the wound every time the bandage is changed.
  • You may need to take pain medication a half hour or hour before dressing changes.
Nutrition
Eat well-balanced meals. Your doctor may recommend vitamins, minerals or supplements.
Surgery and Other Procedures
The doctor may surgically remove dead tissue and skin grafts may be needed. In some situations, electrotherapy may be used to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.

Prevention

Most pressure ulcers can be prevented. Suggestions include:
  • Repositioning
    • Change position in bed at least every 2 hours or, in a wheelchair, at least hourly. If able to move yourself, shift position every 15 minutes.
    • Maintain good body alignment.
    • Do not elevate head of bed greater than 30 degrees, to prevent sliding.
    • Find a sitting or lying position that is 30 degrees toward one side or the other, but not squarely on the hip.
    • Use pillows to maintain positioning.
    • Place a pillow under calves, to keep the heels off the mattress.
    • Place a pillow between the knees.
    • Do not use donut-ring cushions, which can cut off circulation.
  • Use a special bed mattress or wheelchair cushion. Air-, water- or gel-filled pads and alternating-pressure mattresses can help to spread body weight over a greater area.
  • Wear special pads to protect skin that is resting against braces and other devices.
  • When moving someone, lift rather than drag.
    • Use assistive devices, such as transfer boards and mechanical lifts.
    • Try placing a sheepskin under a body part to decrease friction.
  • Keep the skin clean and dry.
  • Do not massage bony areas.
  • If incontinent, use a protective cream on skin that may come in contact with urine or stool.
  • Check the skin at least daily for signs of pressure problems.
  • Keep sheets clean and free of wrinkles
  • Maintain good nutrition.