A pressure sore forms when skin and the tissue below it stay under pressure for too long. The risk is highest over bony areas such as the heels, hips, buttocks and lower back.
Who is at risk#
The risk rises when movement is limited, when a person cannot shift position on their own, or when skin is already fragile from moisture, poor nutrition or poor circulation.
What early signs look like#
The first sign is often redness, darkening, warmth, swelling or tenderness over a pressure point. On darker skin, the change can be harder to see and may show as a different tone rather than red skin.
What helps at home#
Check the skin daily. Change position regularly. Keep the skin clean and dry. Use cushions or pressure-relieving surfaces that genuinely reduce pressure instead of creating a new hard edge.
Good nutrition also matters because tissue can tolerate pressure better when the body is getting enough food and protein.
When to seek care#
Seek care if the skin does not recover after pressure is removed, if a blister or open sore appears, if there is pus, bad smell, fever or spreading redness, or if the area becomes more painful.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: