Preventing Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers are also known as pressure wounds, pressure sores or bedsores.

A pressure ulcer happens when skin and tissue get damaged by too much pressure or rubbing, known as a shear. This causes a painful sore. Pressure ulcers happen on bony areas like the heels, ankles and hips but can also happen on other parts of the body.

Checking for pressure ulcers

An easy way to remember to check for pressure ulcers from either developing or getting worse, are the letters - S S K I N.

S - Surface
  • is the surface (mattress and cushion) fit for purpose
  • is the cover ok?
  • if the cushion/mattress is foam is it flat and smooth?
  • if it’s an air mattress/cushion - is it inflated and at the right setting?
S - Skin

Check for colour changes, blisters or swelling in areas which are weak, for example bony areas, heels, ankles hips, buttocks.

K - Keep moving
  • is the person that you are caring for unable to Keep Moving?
  • Are they spending more time in the chair or not going to bed?
  • encourage gentle movement often - chair based exercise will help stop pressure from the key areas
  • encourage gentle movement often - chair based exercise will help stop pressure from the key areas.
I - Incontinence
  • has the person that you are caring for become incontinent (skin is wet with urine or faeces)?
  • or has their Incontinence got worse?

Make sure a proper plan is in place and that barrier creams are being used as in the care plan after first washing and drying the skin.

N - Nutrition
  • is the person having enough food and drink?

If not is there a problem that can be easily changed (sore throat, mouth ulcer, broken dentures) or do they need to see a doctor?.

Remember

Use your eyes and look daily.

Resources

Find further information on pressure ulcers through the React to Red campaign run by the NHS.