Quick read
Key points
- 1
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores, are areas of damaged skin and tissue that develop from sustained pressure, often over bony areas like the heels, hips, or lower back. They're most common in people with limited mobility, such as those who are bedbound or use a wheelchair.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
You notice an area of skin that's red, discoloured, or doesn't fade after removing pressure
01 · Know
What is Pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores, are areas of damaged skin and tissue that develop from sustained pressure, often over bony areas like the heels, hips, or lower back. They're most common in people with limited mobility, such as those who are bedbound or use a wheelchair.
They range from mild reddening of the skin to deep wounds affecting muscle and bone, and can develop surprisingly quickly, sometimes within just a few hours of sustained pressure.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
See a GP or nurse promptly for any pressure ulcer that breaks the skin, as proper wound care and treatment of infection is important.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You notice an area of skin that's red, discoloured, or doesn't fade after removing pressure
- 2A pressure area breaks the skin or develops a blister or open sore
- 3There's increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or discharge from a pressure area
- 4You or someone you're caring for has reduced mobility and you're concerned about prevention
- 5A pressure ulcer isn't improving despite care and repositioning
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Reposition regularly.Changing position at least every two hours if bedbound, or more often if seated, relieves sustained pressure on vulnerable areas.
- 2Keep skin clean and dry.Gently cleaning and thoroughly drying skin, especially after any incontinence episodes, helps prevent breakdown.
- 3Use pressure-relieving equipment.Specialist mattresses, cushions, or heel protectors can significantly reduce pressure on at-risk areas.
- 4Maintain good nutrition and hydration.Adequate protein, calories, and fluids support skin health and wound healing.
- 5Check skin regularly.Inspecting pressure points daily, particularly in people with reduced mobility or sensation, helps catch problems early.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Pressure ulcers ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Pressure ulcers are largely preventable with regular repositioning, good skin care, and appropriate equipment, and existing ulcers need prompt, consistent care to heal.
Regular repositioning — at least every two hours for someone who is bedbound — is the single most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers.