Pressure ulcer

This often happens to people who use a wheelchair or are confined to bed, even for a short period of time (for example, after surgery or an injury).

The constant pressure against the skin reduces the blood supply to that area and the affected tissue is broken down.

Friction (rubbing) of the skin can also contribute to a pressure ulcer.

Pressure ulcer categories

Pressure ulcers are divided into the following categories (sometimes known as “stages”):

Category 1: The skin is red but not broken. The area does not whiten if pressed with your finger. This is an early warning for you!

Category 2: Shallow, open wound or intact or broken blister

Category 3:  Slightly deeper wound. May have yellowish tissue in it

Category 4: A deep wound, sometimes down to bone

• Change body position as much as possible while at the same time trying to avoid rubbing of the skin.
• Use pressure-relieving devices such as pillows, seat cushions and special mattresses.
• Check skin regularly looking for redness or breaks.
• Keep bed linen smooth and unwrinkled.
  

Also, if pressure ulcers are detected, it is important to regularly check for signs of infection which include:

• An increase or a change in pain
• Increased redness
• Swelling
• An increase in the amount and colour of exudate (fluid) from the wound
• Odour from the wound
• A high temperature

A number of suitable dressings can be found if you click on the ‘our solutions’ tab.

We recommend Mölnlycke Health Care dressings which feature Safetac® Technology. They:

• Have a gentle surface.
• Minimise pain at removal.
• Seal the wound effectively.
• Do not harm the surrounding skin.


Click here to learn more about Safetac technology.

Of course, medical advice should be sought before using any new dressings. There are a range of recommended, relevant products with Safetac.

If you want to learn more about pain and how you can minimise it, please visit our Pain centre by clicking the button.