When someone is spending most of their time in bed or sitting in a chair, they will be at risk of developing pressure sores—also called bed sores or pressure ulcers.
These are areas of skin damage from ongoing pressure over bony parts of the body like the tailbone, heels and elbows. They can cause severe pain and discomfort so are best prevented.
What to look for
Early signs of pressure sores can include:
- Discoloured patches of skin that don’t fade when pressed (red on lighter skin, purple or blue on darker skin)
- Skin that feels warm, spongy or sore
- Itching or pain over a bony area
- Open sores or blisters
Sometimes pressure sores can appear very quickly—within hours
How to help prevent them
- Change position regularly, if possible—even small shifting movements in bed can help
- Use special cushions or mattresses that help to distribute the pressure
- Check the skin every day for early signs of sores - and use a moisturiser or barrier cream (e.g. Sudocrem, Cavilon, Cytolax or Medi Derma-S) to keep the skin supple. Keep skin clean and avoid scented soap
- Support healthy skin by encouraging good nutrition and hydration
When to get medical or nursing help
- Discoloured, sore, or broken skin
- Swelling, redness, or pus
- A high temperature or increased pain
District nurses are expert at caring for pressure ulcers and will advise on the correct dressing