At Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal, Pressure Ulcer Prevention is a growing concern. Many Hospital patients are immobile throughout the day and are prone to developing pressure ulcers, more commonly known as bedsores. A pressure ulcer is an injury usually caused by unrelieved pressure that damages the skin and underlying tissue. Pressure ulcers can range in severity from mild (minor skin reddening) to severe (deep craters down to the muscle and bone). Even slight rubbing or friction on the skin may cause pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers can be avoided with the proper education, care and pre-diagnosis.

Below are useful guidelines in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

Skin Care:

• Inspect skin daily, paying special attention to reddened areas
• Clean soiled skin immediately
• Bathe only when needed for comfort or cleanliness, using warm water and mild soap
• After bathing, use creams or oils and avoid cold or dry air 
• Use a quick-drying surface to keep moisture away from the skin
• Eat a balanced diet
• Avoid massaging the skin over bony parts of the body
• Limit pressure over bony parts by changing positions at least every two hours in bed and at least every hour in a chair

Bed-ridden patients:

• Raise the head of the bed as little and as briefly as possible, if consistent with medical conditions
• Use pillows or wedges to keep knees and ankles from touching one other
• Avoid lying directly on the hipbone
• If completely immobile, pillows should be placed under the legs from mid-calf to ankle to keep heels off of the bed
• Never place pillows behind the knee

Patients confined to a chair:

• Avoid sitting without moving or being moved
• Good posture and comfort are essential