Be on alert for pressure ulcers
'Bed Sores’, ‘Pressure Ulcers’, ‘Pressure Sores’. They have many names, but talking about them is hard and rarely done.
Due to lack of awareness or because it can be embarrassing, people don't talk about bed sores or pressure ulcers however they can be really dangerous and even the difference between life and death.
What is a bed sore/pressure ulcer?
It's an area of damage to the skin and underlying tissue. If untreated, this damage could progress to cause blood poisoning (septicaemia), which is life-threatening.
What are the risks?
Some of the risks involved with developing bed sores (pressure ulcers) are:
- Significant pain and discomfort.
-
The need for daily dressings.
What can cause a pressure ulcer?
- Pressure
- Shearing
- Friction
Find out more
If you want to know what are the early signs of a pressure ulcer or what you can do to avoid pressure ulcers and for good general advice for patients, family members and carers, for more information.
