While carers and medical professionals have a duty of care to try and protect patients from harm, pressure sores can be missed for various reasons. However, with the right care and management, it is possible to reduce the risk of pressure sores by managing risk factors like reduced mobility, poor hygiene and poor nutrition.
In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the causes of pressure sores, the risks that can cause them to develop and some strategies to help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
What Are Pressure Sores?
Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues resulting from periods of prolonged pressure. They are usually seen in those with limited mobility and generally develop on bony parts of the body (hips, heels, the base of the spine and elbows).
Left untreated, pressure sores can become uncomfortable and lead to severe complications such as infections.
Pressure sores can be particularly worrying for those who have no choice but to stay in a hospital or care home setting.
Symptoms Of Pressure Sores
Recognising the early signs of pressure sores can help ensure prompt treatment and prevent further complications.
Some examples of the symptoms caused by pressure sores include:
- Discoloured areas of skin that don’t change colour.
- Areas of skin that feel spongy, warm, or hard.
- Itchiness, pain, or tenderness around the affected area.
Pressure sores will often take a while to develop but, in some cases, can appear within hours.
Pressure sores are graded as follows:
- Grade 1. No open wound, but the skin may be painful, itchy, or discoloured.
- Grade 2. The outer skin and underlying tissue are damaged, resembling a blister or open wound.
- Grade 3. Skin loss extends through all layers, with deeper tissue damage.
- Grade 4. Severe damage where the skin and underlying tissues begin to die (necrosis), potentially affecting muscles and bones.
If untreated, pressure sores can lead to infections, including osteomyelitis (bone infection) and sepsis, both of which can be life-threatening and may require surgery.
Common Causes & Risk Factors For Pressure Sores
Pressure sores develop due to prolonged pressure that restricts blood flow to the skin, leading to tissue damage and breakdown. While pressure is the main cause, other factors, including friction, shear, and moisture, can increase the risk of developing sores.
Immobility
Patients who remain in the same position for extended periods, whether in a bed, wheelchair, or hospital setting, face a heightened risk. Without regular movement, prolonged pressure can cut off circulation to vulnerable areas, leading to skin breakdown.
Medical Conditions
Conditions such as vascular disease, diabetes, and malnutrition impair blood circulation and healing, making pressure sores more likely. Poor nutrition can also weaken the skin, reducing its ability to recover from damage.
Sensory Impairment
Nerve damage, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries can prevent patients from feeling early warning signs like pain or discomfort. This means they may not adjust their position in response to pressure, increasing the risk of developing sores.
Skin & Ageing
Older adults have thinner, more fragile skin, making it more susceptible to damage. As skin elasticity decreases with age, the body’s natural ability to withstand pressure and heal from minor injuries is reduced.
Friction & Shear
Pressure sores can worsen when the skin rubs against bedding, clothing, or a wheelchair (friction). Shearing occurs when the skin moves in one direction while underlying tissue moves in another, further damaging the affected area.
Moisture
Sweat, incontinence, or wound drainage can lead to skin maceration, weakening the skin barrier and increasing the risk of sores. Excess moisture softens the skin, making it more prone to breaking under pressure.
Being aware of these risk factors and managing them effectively can significantly reduce the likelihood of pressure sores developing.
Preventing Pressure Sores From Developing
As pressure sores have become better understood over time, medical professionals and carers have developed several strategies to help prevent them including:
- Regular movements. If a patient is bedridden, they should be turned regularly.
- Good skin-care. Ensuring that the skin is cleaned properly and moisturised.
- Good hydration and nutrition. This can help to support the health of the skin and improve its healing ability.
- Using supports. Supports such as cushions, specialist mattresses and pads can help to reduce the amount of pressure placed on different body parts.
- Moisture monitoring. Checking for signs of excess sweat, incontinence or leakage from open wounds.
Of course, if you are worried about a loved one who you believe is at risk of developing pressure sores, you should raise your concerns with those responsible for their care. You could explain your concerns and ask them to tell you about the methods they use to try and stop pressure sore development.
How To Treat Pressure Sores
While it would be nice if all pressure sores could be prevented, unfortunately, there will always be times when they will develop. When they do, proper treatment is essential to try and improve the outcome for the patient and to try and stop their condition from worsening.
Some of the treatments for pressure sores include:
- Cleaning the wound and dressing them appropriately.
- Removal of the dead tissue (debridement) to improve the chances of recovery.
- Painkillers to reduce the suffering caused by pressure sores and antibiotics to try and cure any infection.
If caught early enough and treated correctly, pressure sores can be managed effectively and a full recovery can be made.
Conclusion
It is important to state that if the causes of pressure sores are understood and preventative measures are introduced, the risks to patients can be minimised. In this blog post, we’ve shown some strategies for identifying and preventing pressure sores in different settings.
If you believe a loved one has suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence, you could be entitled to claim pressure sore compensation. This is something we can provide free advice about so please feel free to contact us with any questions or queries that you might have.