What Are Pressure Sores?
Pressure sores are ulceration ofthe skin and progressively ofthe undeńyìng tissues. They are chiefly due to the deprivation of nutrition to the area because of pressure that occludes the blood supply to the tissue.
it can develop within a few hours and usualiy starts with changes in the skin cuîor - redder or darker than usual. If not treated quickly, it can develop in a few days to an open blister and over a Eonger period -a deep hole in the thresh.
What Are The High Risk Areas Where Pressure Sores May Develop?
Sores are most to develop where the bone is close to the surface,for example heels, ankles, knees, hips, bottom, base of spine, elbows and shoulders.
What Are The Causes Of Skin Break Down?
Pressure sores are ulceration ofthe skin and progressively ofthe undeńyìng tissues. They are chiefly due to the deprivation of nutrition to the area because of pressure that occludes the blood supply to the tissue.
it can develop within a few hours and usualiy starts with changes in the skin cuîor - redder or darker than usual. If not treated quickly, it can develop in a few days to an open blister and over a Eonger period -a deep hole in the thresh.
What Are The High Risk Areas Where Pressure Sores May Develop?
Sores are most to develop where the bone is close to the surface,for example heels, ankles, knees, hips, bottom, base of spine, elbows and shoulders.
What Are The Causes Of Skin Break Down?
- Pressure or other stresses: Caused by lying or sitting in one position for too tong.
- Break in the skin surface: Example surgery or trauma to the skin.
- Shearing: Skin is pulled away from the tissues under it, caused by sliding down the bed.
- Friction: Top layer of skin is rubbed caused by being dragged rather than lifted.
- Moisture: For example sweat, urine or stool.
- Pour nutrition: Being overweight, underweight or dehydrated (not taking enough fluids).
Who Are At A Higher Risk Of Getting Pressure Sores?
- Those who are confined to bed or wheelchair most of the time
- Those who are spending iong periods in an armchair
- Those who are unable to move without heip
- Those who are eldefiy or weak, having dry aging skin
