CIENCIASMEDICASNEWS: The Early Symptoms and Signs of a Pressure Ulcer

martes, 24 de septiembre de 2019

The Early Symptoms and Signs of a Pressure Ulcer

Sponsored Content by Select MedicalSep 17 2019

Pressure ulcers, also referred to as pressure sores or bedsores, are injuries or damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue that are localized to a particular area. The areas most at risk of developing pressure ulcers are over bony prominences such as at the heels and the sacrum. They are a result, as the name suggests, of pressure as well as other extrinsic factors, including friction and shear. Additionally, there are a number of intrinsic factors which can also increase the risk of pressure ulcers.

It is one thing to know what a pressure ulcer is and how it can develop, but are you able to spot the early signs of a pressure ulcer?

Early Signs of a Pressure Ulcer

This is not as simple as it may seem, as there are numerous factors to be aware of:

Discoloration of an area of the skin – this is usually seen as a red patch on people with pale skin or a purple/blue patch on people with darker skin1.
Discolored areas that don’t go white when pressed1.
An area of skin that can feel spongy, hard or warm1.
Painful or itchy skin in the affected area1.
Blisters or damage to the skin2.

It can take as little as two hours for a pressure ulcer to develop in some instances. Regular checks of those at risk are therefore crucial to detect pressure ulcers at an early stage, before they become a significant problem. Identifying a pressure ulcer early can save not only time and money, but most importantly, save the cared for from experiencing an even more painful wound.