How Pressure Injuries Form

Pressure injuries, also called pressure ulcers, are sores or wounds that develop due to sustained pressure on any part of the body. These are generally seen in bedridden people with chronic health conditions. But even a healthy person can begin to develop pressure injuries in less than a day if left in the same position. It helps to know where and how pressure injuries develop and what you can do to prevent them.

Unrelieved pressure

People who can’t move for long periods are at risk for pressure injuries because oxygen and other nutrients can’t easily reach their cells. It occurs due to restricted blood supply as a result of prolonged pressure on the blood vessels. This harms the skin and the underlying tissues and also increases the risk of infection in the affected area. Any person who can't move and also has fragile skin from age or disease is at even greater risk. Reduced blood supply along with aging act as a 2-pronged attack on the skin's ability to repair or heal. Some people have decreased sensation in these areas and don't feel the painful injury as it develops. Reduced pain sensation further increases the likelihood of repeated injuries.

Shear and friction

Two forces contribute to pressure injuries. Opposite, but parallel, sliding motions—like bone moving down and skin up—compress blood vessels. Surfaces rubbing (friction) can also cause skin to break down.

Put your finger on your shin and press down hard. Slide your finger up and down, allowing it to move roughly over your skin. As the skin slides over the bone, it pulls and stretches. This is called shearing. If you continue sliding your finger up and down with enough pressure in both directions it can cause the skin to tear. This is especially true in an older or sick person whose skin isn't as tough as it used to be.

Moisture buildup

Moisture or fluid buildup can increase the risk of pressure injuries. Moreover, certain kinds of fluid—sweat, urine, or feces—can provide a source for bacteria growth, delaying healing. Too much moisture may cause tissue swelling thus increasing the risk of friction.

Poor nutrition

When a person loses a lot of weight from not eating well and having poor nutrition, it makes the skin very thin, weak, and fragile. This is especially true for a person who is sick or has an injury to the skin. When cells are injured and don't get enough nutrition, the cells take longer to repair the damage.