This Stop the Pressure Day, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s tissue viability service says all movement matters when it comes to pressure ulcer prevention.

They’ve shared some of their top tips to help reduce pressure ulcers in a new social media reel.

Pressure ulcers, sometimes known as bed or pressure sores, can be incredibly distressing and painful – and can become life-threatening if they become infected. They usually develop gradually on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and tailbone.

Some of the best ways to prevent pressure ulcers include:

  • changing positions regularly if you spend a lot of time sat or lying down
  • checking and monitoring the skin for pressure ulcer symptoms. Be aware of what its normal for your skin; things to look out for are changes in texture, pain, temperature, itchiness or any redness on white skin or blue or purple-ness on black or brown skin.
  • staying active and moving, if possible, as this will help blood to flow and keep the skin healthy.
  • eating a healthy balanced diet and keeping hydrated
  • using the correct pressure ulcer relieving equipment if it is needed and
  • reporting any issues or changes to a health professional.

Anyone can get a pressure ulcer, but there are things that make you more at risk. These include things like having difficulties moving, recently having surgery or being seriously ill, being underweight, having swollen, sweaty or fragile skin, having poor circulation and smoking.

Hannah Blackwell, clinical lead at LPT’s tissue viability service, said: “Pressure ulcers usually begin with the skin feeling warm, spongy or hard but, if we don’t take action, they can go on to blister, weep or become an open wound. The good thing to remember is they are preventable with the right actions, support and care. Simple things like standing up, walking around or doing some gentle exercises like leg raises can all help to reduce the risk of developing a pressure sore. It also helps to ensure the skin is kept clean and dry.

“We hope that we can make everyone more aware of pressure ulcers. If you know someone at risk of developing a pressure ulcer, try to encourage your loved one to get moving at a pace they can manage. Remember: all movement matters!”

Stop The Pressure Week takes place from Monday 18 November to Friday 22 November, with Stop the Pressure Day taking place on Thursday 21 November 2024. The week is organised by the Society of Tissue Viability and the National Wound Care Strategy Programme(NWCSP.