Abstract

Sores may occur over pressure areas in any patient who is immobile. They result from ischaemia of the skin or underlying tissues. Mechanisms include direct pressure on small blood vessels, shearing forces, and activation of the clotting system by damaged endothelium. Factors which increase the risk of the immobile patient developing sores include loss of cutaneous sensation, vascular disease, anaemia, malnutrition, obesity, incontinence, and any chronic debilitating disease.