What Is a Pressure Ulcer – and How Does It Develop?
A pressure ulcer, commonly known as a bedsore, is damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure. Particularly at risk are body areas where bones lie close beneath the skin: the tailbone, heels, hips, and shoulder blades. In people who lie or sit a lot, a pressure ulcer can develop within just a few hours. The good news: with consistent prevention, it can be avoided in most cases.
5 Everyday Actions for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
- Change position regularly: Relieves at-risk skin areas and prevents sustained pressure. As a rule of thumb: reposition at least every two hours.
- Daily body care with skin checks: This allows redness or early pressure points to be detected before something worse develops.
- Stand up and walk short distances several times a day: Movement promotes circulation and reduces pressure load.
- Drink enough and eat a balanced diet: A good supply of fluids and nutrients supports skin health and wound healing.
- Use pressure-relieving aids: Special seat cushions, soft-positioning mattresses, or heel protectors reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.
Skin Checks: What to Look For
During daily care, pay special attention to redness that does not fade when pressed. Gently press on a reddened area: if it stays red even after releasing, this can be an early warning sign of a pressure ulcer. In this case, the area should immediately be consistently relieved of pressure and, if necessary, examined by a doctor.
Organizing Prevention as a Team
Regular repositioning in particular requires discipline and good coordination. When multiple people share the care, it must be clear when the last repositioning took place and whether there are any skin changes. With mendracare, you can document repositioning times and skin observations in the daily log – so the entire care team stays informed and no measure is forgotten.
