How do pressure ulcers develop?
Immobility is the most serious risk factor which may result in a pressure ulcer. If a certain part of the body is exposed for more than 2 hours to pressure, local ischaemia followed by cell damage can be the consequence. At continuing pressure, a blister will develop, followed by loss of skin and tissue in a matter of hours.
What are the stages and how are they recognised?
Stage 1:
Visible reddening of the skin
Stage 2:
Formation of a blister
Stage 3:
Loss of skin areas
Stage 4:
Loss of deeper tissue, possibly affecting bones or tendons
(Classification ref: National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 1989 (NPUAP))
Where do pressure ulcers develop?
Those areas are at highest risk to develop a pressure ulcer where there is only a thin layer of tissue present between the skin and underlying bones. Common examples are sacrum, heel, back of the head:
