Prevention & Management of Pressure Injuries Wound Care Series
One morning we noticed red spots on her heels when we were dressing her.
What is it? Pressure injuries are also known as bed sores, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers. They are injuries to the skin and the deeper tissues underneath the skin. They often occur on the buttocks, back and heels.
The doctor said it was the early sign of a pressure injury. So we bought a wedge cushion to rest her legs on when lying in bed. We also turned her more often and applied moisturiser to her feet once a day.�
What causes it? Continuous pressure on the skin from prolonged lying or sitting down will cut off the blood supply to the affected area and cause skin and tissue damage. When this happens, a pressure injury is formed.
“My grandma had a stroke and was bed-bound when she returned home from the hospital.
What are the signs? They often start as a tender, red or warm spot that does not go away and can be painful. If not treated, the injury quickly becomes deeper and very painful. If the injury becomes infected, it can cause serious problems.