Pressure ulcers are caused by increased pressure, shearing (which is pulling of the skin due to slipping down the bed or chair) or friction to the skin. Other things can also add to the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
These include:
- Illness
- Lack of movement
- Not eating enough
- Not drinking enough
- Damp or moist skin
- Loss of sensation
There are a range of people who are at risk of developing a pressure ulcer which includes:
- If you have difficulty moving or repositioning yourself
- If you cannot feel pain over part or all of their body
- If you have limited bladder or bowl control
- If you are seriously ill or have had surgery
- If you have a poor diet and or low fluid intake
- If you smoke
- If you have had a previous pressure ulcer/skin damage
- If you have poor circulation
- If you are very old or very young
- If you are very underweight or overweight
If you have any further questions about pressure ulcers please don’t hesitate to speak to your local nurse or carer looking after you. Alternatively, please read our other blog posts on pressure ulcers.
