Preventing Pressure Injuries (Bedsores): What the Evidence Says

Pressure injuries — also called bedsores or pressure ulcers — are areas of damaged skin and tissue caused by sustained pressure, usually over a bony area in someone who sits or lies still for long periods. They are largely preventable, and the single most important measure is simple: relieve the pressure regularly.

What is a pressure injury?

When skin and the tissue beneath it are squeezed between bone and a surface (a bed or chair) for too long, blood flow is cut off and the tissue is injured. They commonly form on the heels, hips, tailbone and elbows, and they are a particular risk for people with limited mobility, reduced sensation, or fragile skin.

Why does repositioning matter most?

Removing the pressure lets blood flow return before damage sets in — which is why regular repositioning is the cornerstone of prevention. Research even explores how to monitor movement to prompt repositioning: a study by the University of Pittsburgh, NCT03114800, investigated movement monitoring as a way to support pressure-ulcer prevention in people with limited mobility.

We cite this study to illustrate where prevention research is heading; it is not a substitute for a care plan. A nurse can assess individual risk and set a repositioning schedule.

How to prevent pressure injuries

• Reposition regularly — change position frequently when in bed or a chair (a common guide is at least every couple of hours in bed; follow your care team's plan).
• Redistribute pressure with appropriate cushions, mattress overlays and heel protection.
• Keep skin clean and dry, and manage moisture from incontinence promptly.
• Check at-risk skin daily for redness that does not fade, warmth or breaks — and act early.
• Support nutrition and hydration, which help skin stay resilient.

Skin and wound-care supplies in Singapore

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Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine — study NCT03114800 (University of Pittsburgh).

This article is general health information, not medical advice. If you or someone you care for has skin that is red and not fading, broken, or an existing pressure injury, seek advice from a doctor or nurse promptly.