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Pressure Sores

Topic Overview

What are pressure sores?

A pressure sore (bed sore) is an injury to the skin and/or the tissues under the skin. Constant pressure on an area of skin reduces blood supply to the area. Over time, it can cause the skin to break down and form an open sore (ulcer). Pressure soresClick here to see an illustration. are more likely to form if you or a person you are caring for is in the hospital or is confined to a chair or bed.



What causes pressure sores?

Things that cause pressure sores include:



How are they treated?


  • Keeping the sore clean and covered. And, in most cases, your doctor will not want you to let it dry out.
  • Keeping healthy tissue around a pressure sore clean and dry.


How can you prevent pressure sores?

These steps can help keep skin healthy:

  • Prevent constant pressure on any part of the body.
    • Change positions and turn often. Learn the proper way to move yourself or a person you are caring for so that you avoid folding and twisting skin layers.
    • Spread body weight. Use pressure-relieving devices or cushions, especially if a person is confined to a bed or chair for any length of time. Pad metal parts of a wheelchair to help reduce pressure and friction.
    • Have someone check your skin after you have been sitting, sleeping, or resting in a recliner chair, wheelchair, or bed.
  • Eat a healthy diet with enough protein.

What increases the risk of getting pressure sores?

People at greatest risk for getting pressure sores are those who:

  • Are confined to a bed or chair, especially if it's because of a spinal injury.
  • Are not as alert as normal due to other health problems, from taking certain medicines, or after surgery. People who are not alert and thinking clearly may not understand why preventing pressure sores is important. Or they may not be able to take the prevention steps that are needed.
  • Are older. As people age, the soft tissue becomes more fragile. Also, skin becomes thinner and less elastic, and injures more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about pressure sores:

Being diagnosed:

Getting treatment:

Ongoing concerns:


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