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Pressure sores and ulcers

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Pressure sores and pressure ulcers are caused by an injury or breakdown of skin and the underlying tissue.

Several factors increase the risk of someone developing pressure ulcers. These include:

mobility limitations - including for people who are confined to a bed, hospitalised, or with chronic pain that makes it difficult to move
health problems - including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, circulatory problems, or heart or kidney damage.
advanced age
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.

Last reviewed: April 2017

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Pressure Injuries | Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

What is a Pressure Injury? Pressure injury (also known as a pressure sore, bed sore or pressure ulcer) is an area of damaged skin caused by pressure, sliding and / or rubbing on the skin

Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website

Pressure ulcers (pressure sores) information | myVMC

Pressure ulcers are skin injuries that occur when one position is held for too long. It is most common in elderly, wheelchair- or bed-bound people.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Bedsores - myDr.com.au

Bedsores, or pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are skin ulcers caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Find out about risk factors, treatment and prevention.