Understanding Pressure Ulcer/Injury

A pressure ulcer/injury is the breakdown of skin and tissue that happens when you are confined to a bed or chair. Or if you stay in one position for a long time.

Preventing pressure ulcer/injury

Here are some examples of thing that you can do to prevent skin breakdown or promote wound healing:

• Check your skin daily for redness or breakdown.

• Turn or change your position at least every 2 hours. Ask for help, if needed.

• If you are confined to a chair, change your position every 15 minutes or ask for help to do so if needed. If you can’t meet these recommendations, you may need to return to bed.

• Ask about special equipment (mattresses or wheelchair cushions) that can help with pressure relief.

• Stay away from doughnut shaped cushions or ones that don’t provide support.

• Keep your skin clean and moisturized.

• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. See a dietitian if recommended.

Watch for signs of pressure ulcers/injuries

Look out for the following:

• Any redness or skin breakdown

• Areas that are exposed to pressure from positioning or medical devices (for example, braces or shoes)

• Any injury or bruise to the skin

• A reddened or darkened area that does not go away within 30 minutes of relieving pressure (changing your position)

• Cracks, blisters, or breaks in the skin

• Open skin that bleeds, oozes, or drains

Help yourself heal   

If you have a pressure ulcer/injury, use these tips to ease healing:

• Keep pressure off the ulcer/injury and surrounding area.

• Keep the ulcer/injury clean and protected from urine, stool, or drainage.

• Do not massage the area around the ulcer/injury.

• Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, wound care specialists, and other team members.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you have the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills

• Pus, bloody drainage, or odor from the ulcer/injury

• Redness or swelling around the ulcer/injury

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

• Exposed bone in the ulcer/injury

Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider as directed. It’s important that you follow up with your wound care management to promote healing.

To learn more

For more information, go to the Pressure Ulcer/Injury Resource mobile app.