Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure sores or bedsores) are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They can happen to anyone, but usually affect people confined to bed or who sit in a chair or wheelchair for long periods of time. Pressure
ulcers can affect any part of the body that's put under pressure. They're most common on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and base of the spine. They often develop gradually, but can sometimes form in a few hours. Early symptoms of a pressure ulcer include:
A doctor or nurse may call a pressure ulcer at this stage a category 1 pressure ulcer. Later symptomsThe skin may not be broken at first, but if the pressure ulcer gets worse, it can form:
When to get medical adviceIf you're in hospital or a care home, tell your healthcare team as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of a pressure ulcer. It'll probably continue to get worse if nothing is done about it. You should be regularly monitored and offered advice and treatment to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, but sometimes they can develop even with the highest standards of care. If you're recovering from illness or surgery at home, or you're caring for someone confined to bed or who is a wheelchair user, contact your GP surgery if you think you or the person you're caring for might have a pressure ulcer. Get medical advice immediately if there is:
These symptoms could be a sign of a serious infection that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Treatments for pressure ulcersTreatments for pressure ulcers depend on how severe they are. For some people, they're an inconvenience that needs basic nursing care. For others, they can be serious and lead to life-threatening complications, such as blood poisoning. Ways to stop pressure ulcers getting worse and help them heal include:
Surgery to remove damaged tissue and close the wound is sometimes used in the most serious cases. Read more about the treatments for pressure ulcers. Who's most at risk of getting pressure ulcersAnyone can get a pressure ulcer, but the following things can make them more likely to form:
Preventing pressure ulcersIt can be difficult to completely prevent pressure ulcers, but there are some things you or your care team can do to reduce the risk. These include:
If you're in a hospital or care home, your healthcare team should be aware of the risk of developing pressure ulcers. They should carry out a risk assessment, monitor your skin and use preventative measures, such as regular repositioning. If you're recovering from illness or surgery at home, or you're caring for someone confined to bed or a wheelchair, ask your GP for an assessment of the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Page last reviewed: 15 April 2020 Which skin color change with the nurse expect to see if a client with dark skin develops cyanosis?In those with light skin tones, cyanosis will present as a bluish/purple hue. In patients with naturally yellow toned skin, cyanosis may cause a grayish-greenish appearance. In those with darker skin tones, cyanosis may be trickier to assess and may be observed as grey or white.
What is skin breakdown in elderly?Serious skin breakdown occurs when the cause of the problem is not eliminated and tissue has been deprived of oxygen and nutrients for so long that the tissue has died and there is now a large hole or crater. Damage extends at least into the subcutaneous tissue.
How does age affect pressure ulcers?Several other health conditions that influence blood supply and capillary perfusion, such as type-2 diabetes, can make a person more vulnerable to pressure ulcers. Age is also a factor that the majority (approximately two-third) of pressure ulcers occur in old age people (60-80 years of age).
Why are the elderly more prone to pressure ulcers?Older people are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers because of complex care needs, skin changes, poor nutrition and hydration, an increased risk of incontinence and reduced mobility (Keevil and Kimpton 2012). The incidence of pressure ulcers is highest in the frail, older population (Dealey 2012).
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