There are several risk factors forpressure ulcers, which are now referred to as pressure injuries.
But how do you know if your loved one is at risk of developing one?
Should you be concerned?
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Immobility
People at the greatest risk of developing pressure injuries are those who are immobile.
Once a person loses the ability to move and becomes inactive, the risk of developing bedsores increases.
With sensory loss, a person may not feel uncomfortable or recognize the need to reposition.
Shear most commonly pops up if a patient is lying with the head of the bed raised.
The spine may slide down in the bed while the skin and fatty tissues stay in place.
Friction
Friction shows up when two surfaces move across one another.
Friction decreases the skin’s tolerance to pressure by causing abrasions and compounds the effect of shear.
This can happen when a person slides down in bed or is repositioned in bed the wrong way.
Moisture
Moisture is a common problem in people who have become incontinent and have to wear diapers.
Moisture from sweat can also be a problem.
And long stays In intensive care or long surgical procedures can lead to prolonged skin tissue pressure.
2019;81(4):893-902. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.068
