What is a pressure injury?
A pressure injury, also called a pressure sore or bed sore, is damage to the skin and the tissue under it. It happens when pressure on one spot cuts off blood flow for too long.
It usually forms over bony areas such as the tailbone, heels, hips and shoulder blades, in people who cannot move easily.
Why does it matter for a patient or family?
Pressure injuries are painful, slow to heal and can become serious. The best approach is to prevent them. A person who is bedridden, uses a wheelchair or has a stroke or spinal injury is at higher risk.
Families are usually the first to see a change, so a daily check matters more than any equipment.
What should we check each day?
Look at the skin over the tailbone, hips, heels, elbows and shoulder blades. Red skin that does not turn pale when pressed, a warm or hard patch, a blister or an open area are all signs.
Keep the skin clean and dry, and change damp clothes and sheets promptly, which matters in humid weather. Report any open area to a nurse or doctor the same day.
An everyday example in Ipoh
A daughter looks after her father at home in Menglembu after a stroke. She sets a gentle alarm to help him change position through the night, uses pillows to keep his heels off the bed and checks his tailbone when she bathes him.
One morning she notices a red mark that does not fade, so she keeps him off that side and calls the community nurse.
Related terms and our pages
- Bed mobility: rolling, moving up the bed and sitting up.
- Caregiver training: learning safe handling at home.
Read our guides on preventing pressure sores at home, bedridden patient physiotherapy and bedridden parent home care in Ipoh. See also spinal cord injury.