Skin pressure damage

You could be at risk of developing a pressure ulcer if:

pressure ulcer 2

Your mobility has reduced
Your skin is vulnerable
Your appetite and food intake have reduced.

Signs to look out for are:

Reddening of the skin over a bony area
Pain over bony areas
Red areas on light skinned people that do not pale when pressed
Purple / bluish areas on dark skinned people
Swelling, blisters, shiny areas, dry patches, cracks, calluses
Hard or warm areas on your skin
Broken or damaged skin.

Report any of the above to your GP or Practice Nurse / District Nurse immediately.

You can prevent pressure ulcers developing by:

Moving and regularly changing your position to relieve the pressure.
Keeping as active as you can
Inspecting your skin daily
Keeping your skin clean and moisturised
Obtaining advice for protective creams should incontinence occur
Eating a well-balanced diet
Aiming to maintain a healthy weight for you
Keeping hydrated.

Top tips

Skin inspection

Check skin for any colour changes
Moisturise skin after washing
Avoid talc and perfumed soaps as they can irritate and dry your skin.

Keep moving

Try to avoid sitting and lying for long periods, change your position to stand and to walk if able and safe to do so
Consider your usual daily routine when planning repositioning or activity schedules
Avoid dragging your skin by moving/lifting your body clear of surfaces.

Incontinence

Make sure your skin is cleansed and gently patted dry
Apply a barrier cream as suggested by your health professional
You may need an assessment for specialist products. Ask your GP.

Nutrition and hydration

If you are underweight, try to have small meals more often and choose higher calorie and protein options
If you are overweight, try to reduce your weight through increasing your physical activity and following a healthy balanced diet.

food chart 2_0

Take a look at the Eat Well Guide for further advice (photo above).

Areas at risk of pressure damage

People at INCREASED RISK of skin pressure damage are those who:

Are unable to move around without help
Spend a long time in bed or chair
Have lost feeling or sensation
Are frail / elderly
Have a serious illness
Are taking certain medications
Are incontinent
Are under/over weight
Are near the end of their life
Have diabetes.

For further information:

First Community provides front-line NHS community healthcare services in east Surrey and parts of West Sussex. We provide first-rate care, through our first-rate people, offering first-rate value. For more information visit: www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email: fchc.enquiries@nhs.net Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Caterham Dene Hospital, Church Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5RA