Pressure injuries
Pressure injuries, otherwise known as pressure ulcers, bed sores and pressure sores, are all pressure-induced skin and soft tissue injuries. These wounds develop over time due to constant pressure on a particular part of the body.
Prolonged pressure interrupts the blood supply to the affected area of skin, depriving it of oxygen and other nutrients that are needed to help keep tissue healthy. These injuries may initially appear as a discolored area (red or dark), as a scrape (abrasion), blister, or a wound. Those at highest risk include patients with limited mobility, neurologic conditions as well as those recovering from severe injury, medical illness and/or a surgical procedure. Older patients, those with compromised nutrition, and those with incontinence are at especially high risk.
How can you prevent a pressure injury from developing?
Pressure redistribution (off-loading) and a proper skin care regime are the most important factors in preventing, as well as treating, pressure-induced injuries. This may be accomplished through:
- Appropriate use of pressure-reducing devices (special seat cushions, mattresses, etc.)
- Proper patient positioning (changing a patient’s position every two hours)
- Managing incontinence
- Gentle cleansing of the skin
- Using moisturizing and barrier creams to protect the skin from urine and stool.
- Nutritional support
How does the Wound Treatment Center treat pressure injuries?
Once a pressure injury is identified, a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan is required. This treatment may include:
- Aggressive off-loading to prevent further injury and promote healing
- Removing devitalized (unhealthy) tissue from the wound bed (debridement)
- Evaluation and treatment for infection (bloodwork, X-ray, MRI, CAT scan and bone scan may be recommended)
- Dressing that protects the wound and enhances healing
- Antibiotics if infection is present
- Advanced therapies including skin substitutes, negative pressure therapy (wound vac) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be indicated
- Managing incontinence
- Supporting nutrition