Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Date issued: August 2026
Review date: August 2028
Ref: C-400/PP/tissue viability/Pressure ulcer prevention (Medical Specialities)
PDF: Pressure ulcer prevention [pdf] 362KB
What is a pressure ulcer?
A pressure ulcer is damage to the skin that results from unrelieved pressure or poor manual handling. They can range from a discoloured area of skin to large open wounds usually over bony areas of the body. They are also known as bed sores or pressure sores.
Who is at risk?
People who need support to move, are reluctant to move, who can’t feel their skin or have poor blood supply are at high risk of pressure ulceration. People who are incontinent are at risk of moisture related skin damage and this also increases their risk of pressure ulceration. These are the most common sites (Shoulder blade, Buttocks, Heel, Ball of foot) that pressure ulcers can develop, in a range of different positions.
What can I do?
Think about ASSKING:
A - Assessment
Assessment. Your nurse will be able to carry out an assessment to determine your risk in developing a pressure ulcer and take measures to help reduce that risk.
S - Support
Support surfaces (e.g. mattresses, cushions, heel protectors) can be used to help with care delivery.
S - Skin
Skin inspection will help you to see early signs of skin damage and report them to the nurse. These include red patches on pale skin or bluish patches on brown or black skin tones. Swelling, blisters, pain or open wounds are also possible signs of pressure ulcers.
K - Keep moving!
You should change your position at every opportunity. When you are awake try to stand and have a short walk every hour.
I - Incontinence
Use the continence products provided for you. This includes washing with soap free products (e.g. aqueous cream) and applying barrier creams sparingly.
N - Nutritional care
In addition to your main meals, make sure that you have access to nutritious snacks and drinks. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet using supplements where prescribed
G- Giving of information
Your care plan should be shared with the people who are looking after you so care can continue whether you are in hospital or at home.
Top tips for you and your carers:
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Do encourage and support regular position changes.
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Do ensure that skin is clean, dry, moisturised and protected.
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Do encourage food and fluids.
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Do inspect pressure areas at least daily.
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Do report any new pain/concerns with skin.
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Do use the equipment and care strategies suggested by the healthcare team (e.g. nurses, occupational therapist, physiotherapist) and seek their advice early.
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Do check that footwear fits properly, not too tight, not too loose. Ensure there are no stones or loose debris in the footwear before you put it on.
What to do if you notice a problem:
If you experience more pain or discomfort in a common pressure ulcer site, or where you have a pressure ulcer already, inform your nurse if you are an in-patient in the hospital, or contact the community nurses or GP if you are at home.
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
