Pressure Injury (Bedsore) Prevention

It starts with one red spot. Catch a bedsore early.

Today, how to prevent bedsores — for you and your caregiver.

So what is a bedsore? When you stay in one position too long, the pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin. The skin, and the tissue under it, start to break down. The good news — you can prevent this. That's what this video is about.

Who is most at risk? Anyone who stays in bed or a chair, and finds it hard to move. Poor nutrition, moisture on the skin, or thin, fragile skin raise the risk too.

Bedsores form over bony spots, where there's little padding. Watch the tailbone and buttocks, the hips, the heels and ankles, the elbows, the shoulder blades, and the back of the head.

The best prevention is simple. Keep moving. Take the pressure off the skin often.

In bed, change position at least every two hours. In a chair, shift your weight about every hour — or as often as your nurse advises. And use pillows, cushions, and heel protectors to lift the bony spots off the surface.

Keep the skin clean and dry, and manage any moisture. When you move someone, lift the body — never drag or slide it across the bed. And eat protein and drink fluids to help keep the skin strong.

Here's the daily habit that catches problems early. Check the skin head to toe, every single day — patient and caregiver, together.

Check the skin every day. Tell your nurse or provider right away about any new redness that doesn't fade when you press it, any blister, or any open sore. Early treatment heals much faster.

Never rub or massage a reddened area. And call the provider promptly for any wound that looks deep, black, has drainage or a bad smell, or comes with fever.

So remember three things. Move often. Offload the bony spots. And check the skin every day.

Next — strong skin starts with good food. Eating and drinking well to protect skin and strength.