Prevention of Pressure ulcers

Home

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Some groups of people are at greater risk from pressure ulcers than others. Immobility for any reason contributes to the risk of pressure sore, therefore the elderly, wheelchair users and patients who are bed-ridden are most at risk. People living with incontinence may also develop pressure ulcers, as prolonged exposure to moisture can cause breakdown of skin tissue. Other conditions such as diabetes and arterial disease can also increase the risk of pressure ulcers as the supply of blood and oxygen to body tissue may be restricted.

In order to prevent pressure ulcers developing, it is important that those who are immobile have their position changed at least every two hours. This may need to be more frequent if sitting. A healthy balanced diet and plenty of fluids will also help the condition of the skin.Those at higher risk of pressure ulcers, such as the elderly and those with existing medical conditions should keep as active and mobile as possible, taking some form of exercise every day. It is advisable to take part in exercise that uses a range of motions.

Also important is keeping the skin clean and dry. Checking that bed linen is free from wrinkles.There is plenty of help and advise available through your family doctor.

Paget's disease Painkillers Pancreatitis Panic disorder Parkinson's disease Patient Advice and Liaison Services Patient and Public Involvement Forums Patient choice Pelvic inflammatory disease Pemphigus vulgaris Peptic ulcer Perforated eardrum Pericarditis Periods Periods, absent Periods, heavy Periods, irregular Periods, painful Peritonitis Persistent vegetative state PET scan Phenylketonuria Phobias Phosphate test Physiotherapy Pilonidal sinus Plasma products Plastic surgery Pleurisy Pneumococcal infections Pneumonia Poisoning Poliomyelitis Polycystic ovarian syndrome Polymyalgia rheumatica Polyps, nose Post-mortem Post-natal depression Post-traumatic stress disorder Potassium test Pre-eclampsia Preconception Pregnancy Premenstrual syndrome Preoperative tests Pressure ulcers Priapism Prickly heat Primary biliary cirrhosis Progestogen-only pill Prolapse of the uterus Prostate disease Psoriasis Psychiatry Psychosis Psychotherapy Puberty