Preventing Pressure Ulcers
UHN
Information for patients and families
Read this information to learn:
• what a pressure ulcer is
• what causes them
• how to prevent them
• how your health care team can help
What is a pressure ulcer?
Skin is the largest organ of your body. It
makes up about 10% of your weight.
A pressure ulcer is an injury to your skin
and/or tissue below your skin. Pressure
ulcers usually happen over bony areas,
like your heel, ankles, hips, tailbone or
sitting bones.
Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca
© 2014 University Health Network. All rights reserved.
This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific
medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.
Author: UHN Interprofessional Skin Health Steering Committee
Created: 04/2008
Form: D-5486 (02/2014)
What causes pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers can happen when there is constant pressure, rubbing or moisture
(wetness) over areas of your skin. They can happen if:
• you stay in one position for too long (pressure)
If you sit in a bed or wheelchair for too long or if you lie in the same
position in bed for a long time, this will reduce the amount of oxygen that
goes to some areas of your skin.
• your skin rubs against something too much (friction)
For example, if your skin rubs against your bed sheets often, this can cause a
pressure ulcer.
• you slide or shift in your bed or chair (shearing)
The rubbing and weight when you slide or shift can cause a pressure ulcer.
• your skin is exposed to sweat, urine or stool for a long time (maceration)
What will increase my chance of getting a pressure ulcer?
Pressure ulcers are more likely to happen:
• if you can’t move or change positions
• if you have an injury that causes you to have a reduced sense of touch or less
feeling in parts of your body
• if you eat an unhealthy diet
• when you get older
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How can I check to see if I’m getting a pressure ulcer?
You can get a pressure ulcer without knowing it, especially if you can’t feel over
the bony areas of your body. To check your skin:
• Use a mirror to check areas of your body that are hard to see. Look for
redness or changes in your skin.
• Press any reddened area firmly with your finger. If it doesn’t turn pale after
pressing it, tell your nurse or doctor. This could be the start of a pressure
ulcer.
• Check your heels for any red or darkened areas or blisters. If you see any
blisters don’t break them. Let your nurse or doctor know about these areas.
• Check your skin for any breaks (openings) or blackened areas. If you find
any, let your nurse or doctor know.
You can also ask someone at home or a friend to check the areas of your body that
you can’t see.
What can I do to prevent a pressure ulcer?
;; When you are in bed, change your position or ask someone to help you
change position at least every 2 hours.
;; When sitting, change your position as often as possible.
;; Prevent friction by trying to lift your body instead of dragging it when you
are moving or changing position.
;; Use pillows to help support your position when you are in bed.
;; Keep the head of your bed as low as you can tolerate when you are sleeping.
This will help prevent shearing.
;; If your skin is being exposed to bodily fluids (sweat, urine, stool) more
often, tell hospital staff or your caregiver.
;; Check your skin when you go to bed and before you get out of bed in the
mornings.
;; Keep your skin clean and dry.
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;; Talk to your health care team to see if using a moisturizer (cream) would
help.
;; Eat a well-balanced diet that includes:
• fruits and vegetables
• meat (beef, chicken, pork) fish, eggs, dairy and beans
• bread, pasta and rice
• fat such as vegetable oil, butter or margarine
Eating a well-balanced diet will help keep your skin healthy.
;; Drink lots of fluids.
How can my health care team help me to prevent pressure
ulcers?
• Your nurse can assess (check) your skin and find ways to reduce your risk of
getting pressure ulcers.
• Your occupational therapist can check your seat cushion and support
surface to help protect your skin.
• Your physiotherapist can help you improve or maintain your strength and
flexibility.
• Your dietician can give you advice about eating balanced meals and snacks
to meet your body’s protein, vitamin, and mineral needs.
Where can I find more information?
Ask your health care team for more information about pressure ulcers. You can
also visit these websites:
www.npuap.org/PU_Prev_Points.pdf
http://cawc.net/en/index.php/public/facts-stats-and-tools/basics/prevention/
pressure-ulcers/
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