Hyperglycemia: A Barrier to Wound Healing2

Pressure ulcers, also called bed sores, are among the most common wounds seen in the hospital, long-term care facilities, and even in the home. These wounds can be painful, difficult to heal, and lead to serious complications. Luckily, there are some simple and effective things you can do to prevent sacral pressure ulcers!

What Causes Sacral Pressure Ulcers?

Pressure ulcers occur when there is prolonged pressure to the skin, usually over bony areas such as the elbows, spine, or sacral area (tailbone).

Compression of the soft tissue causes blood vessels to collapse and reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery. This localized tissue damage usually happens when a person sits or lays for long periods of time in a chair, wheelchair, or bed.

Pressure ulcers begin forming under the skin, making them difficult to catch before a wound is actually visible. So it’s important to take these steps to help prevent sacral pressure ulcers from happening.