What Is a Pressure Ulcer?

What is a pressure ulcer? Other signs to look for are: persistent red leaning from side to side or forward can A pressure ulcer occurs when skin and areas, blue/purple areas, swollen areas help. If you have limited movement you underlying tissue are damaged by that may be warm to touch, shiny areas, may need to have your position changed pressure on the area. blisters and areas of discomfort or pain. If or have your arms and legs moved by you notice any possible signs of damage someone else. They are usually caused by the weight of you should tell someone in your your body pressing down on the skin or healthcare team immediately. Maintain a good diet. where the layers of your skin are forced Eating a balanced diet and drinking to slide over one another (e.g. when you enough water is very important. It is slide down in a wheelchair or transfer to Where do pressure ulcers occur? particularly important if you are at risk of the wheelchair). They can be caused by developing a pressure ulcer as your The most common places for pressure friction where the skin is frequently condition can get worse or fail to get ulcer to occur are where bones are close rubbed. better without it. to the skin e.g. the bottom, heel, hip, elbow, ankle, shoulder, back and the Check your skin regularly. Who gets pressure ulcers? back of the head You should check regularly for signs of pressure ulcer development. Anyone can get a pressure ulcer. People who have had a pressure ulcer How can I prevent pressure ulcers? Hygiene. before are at greater risk of developing Avoid sitting on wet or dirty covers for a another one. Reduce length of time you spend long time and ensure that continence is sitting in the wheelchair. Without care, a pressure ulcer can be managed. Be particularly aware during Wheelchairs are designed for moving very serious. They can damage deeper hot weather as the heat can cause from one place to another and not layers of tissue under the skin as well as moisture between the skin and cushion. designed as a comfortable seat. Try the surface and cause pain or mean a transferring on to other surfaces after Safe transfers. stay in hospital. A severe pressure ulcer using your wheelchair or spend shorter can extend to muscle or bone and take a Make sure you transfer to and from your periods of time sitting in the wheelchair. long time to heal. wheelchair safely by using the correct Keep moving and adjusting your equipment e.g. hoist or sliding board. Try What are the signs that I may have a position. to prevent your skin being rubbed by not pressure ulcer? touching static surfaces when moving. You, or your carer, should check your One of the best ways of preventing a skin regularly for signs of a pressure pressure ulcer is to reduce or relieve ulcer. The first sign is usually discolouring pressure on vulnerable areas. This is of the skin which may get worse and can done by moving around and changing lead to an open wound. position as much as possible. Even How do I contact the wheelchair Further information about the prevention service? and care of pressure ulcer can be found on our websites or by visiting the National Hertfordshire Wheelchair Service Institute for Health and Clinical Parkway The Hertfordshire Excellence Birdcroft Road Wheelchair Service website :www.nice.org.uk/CG029 Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire Are you sitting comfortably? Alternatively, talk to your healthcare AL8 6EH professional, community therapist, district Tel : 01707 386860 Information about the prevention nurse or GP. Fax: 01707 386898 and care of pressure ulcer For more information on the wheelchair service please visit our website: www.hertschs.nhs.uk