Pressure sores and ulcers
1-minute read
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.
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Last reviewed: February 2019