Avoiding Pressure Sores

Most adults who use wheelchairs or the caregivers of child wheelchair users are familiar with pressure sores. These wounds are created when blood supply is cut to part of the skin and, if that skin is under pressure, irritation and sores follow.

Signs of a forming pressure sore include:

• Skin redness that does not go away within 30 minutes after pressure is relieved.

• Change in skin color or temperature (warmer or cooler than other skin areas nearby).

• Skin irritation such as a scraped area, break in the skin, blisters or sores.

How does someone in a wheelchair avoid them – or, if they have them, how do they treat them?

Some healthcare professionals recommended repositioning yourself in your chair every two hours. Also, it helps to maintain dry bed sheets free of wrinkles when laying down. When children are awake in bed, parents or caregivers should encourage them to turn to a different position at least every two hours.

Another good way of avoiding pressure sores is to use pressure re-distribution surfaces such as cushions, special mattresses, and padding to support more bony areas.

For more information from Children’s Minnesota, click HERE.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.