Pressure ulcers are also known as pressures sores or bedsores. These are injuries to the skin and tissues underneath the skin.
They are caused by pressure being put on the skin, usually over a long time.
Pressure ulcers can happen to anyone, but some people are more at risk of getting them.
Who is more at risk of pressure ulcers
Symptoms of pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers can affect any part of your body. But they are most common on bony parts, such as:
- heels
- elbows
- hips
- the base of the spine
They often develop slowly but they can also form in a few hours.
Early symptoms
You may have early symptoms of a pressure ulcer if:
- parts of your skin change colour - for example, you have a red patch on white skin or a purple patch on black or brown skin
- a patch of skin does not turn white when you press on it
- a patch of skin feels warm, spongy or hard
- you have pain or itchiness in an area of skin
A pressure ulcer at this stage is called a category 1 pressure ulcer.
Later symptoms
Your skin may become red, swollen or painful before breaking down.
When the skin breaks down it can form:
- an open wound or blister
- a deep wound that reaches into deeper layers of the skin
- a very deep wound that may reach muscle and bone
When to get medical advice
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you think you or someone you care for is getting a pressure ulcer
A pressure ulcer will get worse without treatment.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP for an urgent appointment if
you or someone you care for have symptoms of a pressure ulcer and have:
- hot, red and swollen skin
- pus coming out of the pressure ulcer
- cold skin and a fast heartbeat
- a high temperature
- severe pain or pain that is getting worse
These symptoms could be a sign of a serious infection.
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
- you cannot work due to the pain
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you from doing things like going to work
Treating pressure ulcers
Treatments for pressure ulcers depend on how severe they are.
In most cases, movement and regularly changing positions will help.
Sometimes you will need creams, specially designed dressings or mattresses to help with healing.
Treatments for pressure ulcers
Who is at risk of pressure ulcers
Anyone can get a pressure ulcer, but you are more at risk if you:
- are age 70 or older
- have to stay in bed after surgery or because of illness
- are not able to move some or all of your body (paralysis)
- have obesity
- have urinary incontinence
- have a poor diet
- have poor circulation or fragile skin
- smoke - this can reduce blood flow to your skin
Preventing pressure ulcers
It can be difficult to prevent pressure ulcers but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
Do
-
change your position regularly, when sitting or lying for a long time
-
try to stay active, if you can
-
use mattresses and cushions designed to prevent pressure ulcers
-
check your skin every day for symptoms
-
keep well hydrated
-
keep your skin clean and well moisturised
-
have a healthy, balanced diet
If you are in a hospital or care home, your healthcare team will talk to you about how to avoid pressure ulcers.
Ask your GP what you need to do if you are:
- recovering from illness or surgery at home
- caring for someone who is not mobile and spends a lot of time in a chair or bed
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
