Therapy Professionals

  • Home
    • History >
      • Cantabrainers Choir
      • Tribute to Clare O'Hagan
    • Client Information
    • Rights and Responsibilites
    • Careers
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Assessment, Treatment & Consultation
    • Workplace/home safety
    • For organisations
    • Nail Trimming
  • Therapies
    • Physiotherapy
    • Speech-Language Therapy >
      • Communication
      • Swallowing
    • Music Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Dietetics
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Contact
  • Information
    • Information and Handy Hints
    • Blog
    • Links
    • Facebook
    • Events
    • Newsletters
  • Home
    • History >
      • Cantabrainers Choir
      • Tribute to Clare O'Hagan
    • Client Information
    • Rights and Responsibilites
    • Careers
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Assessment, Treatment & Consultation
    • Workplace/home safety
    • For organisations
    • Nail Trimming
  • Therapies
    • Physiotherapy
    • Speech-Language Therapy >
      • Communication
      • Swallowing
    • Music Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Dietetics
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Contact
  • Information
    • Information and Handy Hints
    • Blog
    • Links
    • Facebook
    • Events
    • Newsletters

Information and Handy Hints

September 20th, 2022

20/9/2022

 

Skin injuries caused by pressure
 

​For those of us caring for people who barely move or rely on others to move them, it is important to know how to best look after their skin. Pressure injuries, otherwise known as pressure areas, ulcers or bedsores, are among the negative effects of immobility.
 
What is a pressure injury?
 
A pressure injury is damage to an area of skin, usually around a bony part of the body, which has been under pressure for some time. The pressure stops the blood flow feeding the skin in the area and if the pressure is not removed the skin will break down and eventually become an ulcer.  Friction from chaffing, or rubbing over these bony areas can also cause sores and ulcers.
 
What areas are prone to pressure injuries?
 
The diagrams below indicate where most pressure injuries generally occur, however people with unusual posture may develop them elsewhere.
Picture
Who is likely to develop pressure 
 
Anyone who is immobile or can’t feel any sensations are at serious risk, especially those who:
 
  • are bedridden after surgery or during a long illness
  • have a health condition such as diabetes, stroke, chronic obstructive airways disease and malnutrition
  • have had pressure injuries before
  • sit or lie in one position for hours because they can’t move themselves 
 
 
How will I know someone is developing a pressure injury?
 
The skin area around a bony part of the body may:
 
  • be discoloured - dark or red 
  • feel hard
  • be warm
  • not go white when pressed with your finger
  • have a blister, blood blister, crack or open wound
 
How can I prevent pressure injuries?
 
A pressure injury is serious, can take a long time to heal, and many are preventable.
 
We can help prevent pressure injuries by relieving direct pressure on the bony areas, taking good care of the skin and having a healthy diet and adequate fluids.  Here are a few tips:
 
Avoid direct pressure
  • change position regularly, at least two hourly
  • use special pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions
  • don't drag heels or elbows when moving, bathing or dressing 
  • make sure the bed sheets and clothes are smooth, not wrinkled 
  • use cotton or silk like fabric sheets and clothing
 
Skincare 
  • keep skin clean and dry
  • avoid scented soaps as they can be more drying
  • moisturise skin thoroughly after washing and keep well moisturised
  • avoid using talcum powder as this dries the skin’s natural oils
 
Diet
  • provide a well balanced diet
  • give at least two litres of fluid a day 
 

What should I do if you think a pressure injury is developing?
 
Immediately reposition the person to completely take all pressure off the affected area and follow all the prevention tips above.  Seek help from:  
 
  • their GP, who may refer to the community therapy or nursing team if required
  • Therapy Professionals Physio, Occupational Therapists and Dietitians.
 
How can Therapy Professional’s Therapists can help?
 
Our therapists can help with:
 
  • education on pressure injury prevention 
  • manage current or recurring injuries
 
Dietitians:  advise on:
  • nutritional requirements to aid wound healing. 
 
Occupational Therapists: advise on: 
  • pressure relieving products e.g. cushions, mattresses, heel protectors
  • positioning for pressure relief
 
Physiotherapists:  advise on:
  • moving and turning people in bed safely to avoid friction on the skin
  • changing position and movements to prevent staying in one position for too long.
 
If you require education on prevention and management of pressure injuries, our friendly Physio and Occupational Therapists and Dietitians can help, just contact us at Therapy Professionals. 
 
Ph:                 03 377 5280
Email             [email protected]
Website:       therapyprofessionals.co.nz
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments are closed.

    Author

    Shonagh O'Hagan
    and Therapists at Therapy Professionals

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020

    All

    RSS Feed

Quick Links
Physiotherapy
Speech-Language Therapy
Music Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Dietetics
Phone: (03) 377 5280
Email:   [email protected]
Hours:  8:30am-4pm, Monday-Friday
Office: 12 Coronation St, Christchurch 
Postal address: PO Box 7807,
​                             Christchurch 8240
Disclaimer
Therapy Professionals makes every effort to ensure that the information provided on its web pages is accurate and up-to-date. Website content is subject to regular review and no warranty can be provided regarding the accuracy of it. © Therapy Professionals Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.