WHAT ARE PRESSURE SORES？

Pressure sores are localized area of dead tissue, which are primarily cause by unrelieved pressure, For example when a patient lies in one position for a long time, although there are many other factors which influence their development, such as incontinence and poor nutrition. The areas of the body most at risk of pressure sores development are the bony prominences, such as the ischial tuberosity and sacrum.

The body can withstand the high interface pressures for a very short period of time, especially when the hard bony area covered by a thin layer of tissue is in contact with a hard surface(such as a bed, trolley, theatre table, wheelchair), the pressure is not regularly relieved so that damage occurs and pressure sores develop.

STRUCTURE OF THE SKIN

The skin is essentially our largest organ and made from three distinct layers. The top surface called the epidermis which is rough and microscopically thin, this is constantly being worn away and replaced throughout our life span. Underlying the epidermis is viable dermis consists of nerves, glands, fatty tissue and muscle. Beneath the dermis is a subcutaneous layer of adipose tissue containing a large number of blood vessels.