What can you and your carer do to help prevent pressure ulcer?

Think SSKIN

Support - Do you or the person you are caring for have the right cushions or mattresses?

Skin - Inspect your skin at least once a day, especially over bony areas. Look for any early signs of pressure damage – redness or discolouration to the skin, swelling, pain, blisters. Keep skin dry and clean.

Keep moving - Staying in one position for too long increases the risk for pressure ulcers. Change position regularly. Avoid lying on creased bedclothes and crumbs. Avoid using ring cushions as they can cut off blood supply to the vulnerable bony area. Sit upright and make sure you are well-supported.

Incontinent - It is important for skin to remain clean and dry so clean your skin and change the pads regularly. Discuss continence problems with your nurse or doctor.

Nutrition/Hydration - Adequate nutrition and fluids are essential to prevent and treat pressure ulcer. Ensure you maintain a good diet and take on plenty of fluids.

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Useful websites: nhs.stopthepressure.co.uk/

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

PALS provide information and support to patients and carers and will listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries. The service is available between 9 am and 5 pm.

0208 510 7315

07584 445 400

For information on the references used to produce this leaflet, please ring
020 8510 5302, text: 07584 445 400 or email

If your require this information in large print, plain text, audio or Braille please contact the Patient Information Team on 0208 510 5302 Text: 07584 445 400 or email:

Produced by: Pressure Ulcer Prevention working group & Quality Improvement Team.

Homerton University Hospital

NHS Foundation Trust

Homerton Row, London E9 6SR

020 8510 5555

www.homerton.nhs.uk

Date produced: For use on new resources

Review date:

Review date: For use on existing resources

Next review:

You can help to stop pressure ulcers

Patient & carer information

Tissue Viability Service

The aim of this leaflet is to provide information about pressure ulcers (PU), also known as bed sores or pressure sores, including why they develop and how to prevent them.

What are pressure ulcers?

Pressure ulcers are areas of damage to the skin and deeper layers of tissue. They are caused by pressure (e.g. lying or seating in the same position for a long period of time) and/or shearing (e.g. sliding down the bed or chair or dragging the body when changing positioning). Pressure ulcers can range from reddened skin to an open wound.

Common areas to develop PU:

Pressure ulcers can develop anywhere in the body but are most common over bony areas regardless of body size/shape.


Without intervention pressure ulcers can result in:

·Severe pain

·Risk of infection

·Poor quality of life

·Reduce mobility

·In severe cases, can contribute to death

Who is at risk of developing a PU?

Usually people can relieve the effects of pressure and shearing by moving around in bed and getting out of bed. You may be at risk of developing pressure ulcers for a number of reasons including:

·Poor/ reduced mobility

·Previous pressure ulcer or poor skin condition

·A medical condition that affects blood flow (e.g. diabetes, vascular disease)

·Low level of consciousness

·Problems with sensitivity to pain or discomfort

·Incontinence

·Being overweight or underweight

·Poor nutrition& hydration

·Age 70 or over

What are the early signs of a PU?

Change in skin colour (redder or darker), change in skin temperature (hotter or colder) discomfort or pain, swelling, blistering and skin damage.

It is very important that you inform your doctor, nurse or any other healthcare professional if you or someone you care for have any of the above signs or is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Without appropriate intervention the damage may worsen, developing into hard black tissue or an open wound.

What will the healthcare team do?

The healthcare team will examine you and carry out a risk assessment. If this reveals that you are at risk, or you already have a pressure ulcer, your healthcare team will draw up a plan of action with you to help to prevent the development/deterioration of pressure ulcers. This plan may include:

·Use of specialist equipment e.g. Air mattress/cushion or heel protector

·Regular repositioning

·Regular skin inspection

·Referral to relevant healthcare professionals, for e.g. tissue viability nurse, dietician, physiotherapist etc.