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Skin Pressure Damage Leaflet - Everyone is at risk (hints and tips for prevention) - Information for patients and carers

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  5. Skin Pressure Damage Leaflet - Everyone is at risk (hints and tips for prevention) - Information for patients and carers

You could be at risk of developing a pressure ulcer if:

pressure ulcer
  • Your mobility has reduced
  • Your skin is vulnerable
  • Your appetite and food intake have reduced.

Signs to look out for are:

  • Reddening of the skin over a bony area
  • Pain over bony areas
  • Red areas on light skinned people that do not pale when pressed
  • Purple / bluish areas on dark skinned people
  • Swelling, blisters, shiny areas, dry patches, cracks, calluses
  • Hard or warm areas on your skin
  • Broken or damaged skin.

Report any of the above to your GP or Practice Nurse / District Nurse immediately. 

You can prevent pressure ulcers developing by:

  • Moving and regularly changing your position to relieve the pressure.
  • Keeping as active as you can
  • Inspecting your skin daily
  • Keeping your skin clean and moisturised
  • Obtaining advice for protective creams should incontinence occur
  • Eating a well-balanced diet
  • Aiming to maintain a healthy weight for you
  • Keeping hydrated.

Top tips 

Skin inspection

  • Check skin for any colour changes
  • Moisturise skin after washing
  • Avoid talc and perfumed soaps as they can irritate and dry your skin.

Keep moving

  • Try to avoid sitting and lying for long periods, change your position to stand and to walk if able and safe to do so
  • Consider your usual daily routine when planning repositioning or activity schedules
  • Avoid dragging your skin by moving/lifting your body clear of surfaces. 

Incontinence

  • Make sure your skin is cleansed and gently patted dry
  • Apply a barrier cream as suggested by your health professional
  • You may need an assessment for specialist products. Ask your GP.

Nutrition and hydration

  • If you are underweight, try to have small meals more often and choose higher calorie and protein options
  • If you are overweight, try to reduce your weight through increasing your physical activity and following a healthy balanced diet.
eat well guide

Take a look at the Eat Well Guide for further advice (photo above).

 

Areas at risk of pressure damage

areas at risk of pressure damage

People at INCREASED RISK of skin pressure damage are those who:

  • Are unable to move around without help
  • Spend a long time in bed or chair
  • Have lost feeling or sensation
  • Are frail / elderly
  • Have a serious illness
  • Are taking certain medications
  • Are incontinent
  • Are under/over weight
  • Are near the end of their life
  • Have diabetes.

For further information:

First Community provides front-line NHS community healthcare services in east Surrey and parts of West Sussex. We provide first-rate care, through our first-rate people, offering first-rate value. For more information visit: www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email: fchc.enquiries@nhs.net Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Orchard House, Unit 8a, Orchard Business Centre, Bonehurst Road, Redhill RH1 5EL

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For office use only: Version 1 PFD_ASC007 Publication date: October 2020