Pressure Sore Prevention: How to Protect Skin and Avoid Painful Ulcers
When someone spends long hours in bed or a wheelchair, their skin can break down from constant pressure—that’s called a pressure sore, a type of skin injury caused by unrelieved pressure on bony areas like heels, hips, or tailbone. Also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, these aren’t just uncomfortable—they can lead to serious infections if ignored. The good news? Most pressure sores are preventable with simple, daily habits.
It’s not just about changing position. Skin care, keeping skin clean, dry, and moisturized matters just as much. Dry skin cracks. Moist skin breaks down faster. You need balance. Then there’s wheelchair cushion, a specialized support that spreads pressure away from sensitive spots. Not all cushions are equal—some are foam, others gel or air-filled. The right one can mean the difference between staying mobile and being stuck in pain.
Pressure sores don’t happen overnight. They build up slowly. That’s why checking skin every day—especially over hips, tailbone, heels, and shoulder blades—is the most effective step you can take. Look for redness that doesn’t fade when you press on it. That’s your body’s early warning. If you see it, shift position immediately. Use pillows to lift heels off the bed. Keep sheets smooth—no wrinkles. Eat enough protein and drink water. Your skin needs fuel to stay strong.
Many people think only the elderly get pressure sores. But anyone who can’t move easily—after surgery, with spinal injuries, or even during long hospital stays—is at risk. That’s why hospitals and caregivers use turning schedules. At home, you don’t need fancy gear. You just need consistency. A 30-minute repositioning routine, a good cushion, and daily skin checks cut risk by over 70%.
Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—how to pick the right cushion, what to do when redness shows up, how to make turning easier with simple tools, and why some "miracle" creams don’t work. These aren’t theory pages. They’re practical fixes from real homes, hospitals, and caregivers who learned the hard way.
