Pressure sores and pressure ulcers are caused by an injury or breakdown of skin and the underlying tissue caused by pressure on the skin for a long time.

You are at risk of developing a pressure ulcer if you:

• can’t move around properly — including if you are confined to a bed, hospitalised, or with chronic pain that makes it difficult to move
• have health problems — including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, circulatory problems, or heart or kidney damage
• can’t feel that you need to change position, for example if you have a spinal cord injury or neurological disorder you are old
• you have a poor diet or nutrition

Pressure ulcers can develop quickly and be difficult to treat. It is important to seek the help of your doctor or community nurse if you have a pressure ulcer.

Follow the links below to find more trusted information about pressure sores and ulcers.