Today, we discuss spinal cord injury pressure injury prevention, and how to prevent pressure sores for people with SCI. As we get older, our muscles and joints may become stiff or sore. This can create more bumps and rubs of the skin with movement, leading to pressure injury. This video covers the value of changing positions often to reduce pressure, and keeping your skin clean, dry and well moisturized. We share tips for daily skin checks and what to look out for.
With spinal cord injury, there are many things to worry about, but pressure injuries are one of the most common and dangerous. Pressure injuries can usually be prevented by following these tips:
- change positions frequently
- shift weight in your wheelchair regularly
- keep your skin clean, dry and well moisturized
- choose healthy foods and drink enough fluid
- watch out for changes to your body weight
- check your skin daily to notice any changes.
It can sometimes be overlooked that spinal cord injury pressure injury prevention is such an important topic. Preventing pressure injuries often requires a team effort: the person affected has to change their routines and behaviour, and the healthcare team and support workers also play a role.
Daily skin checks are an important prevention strategy. Here are three tips for conducting daily skin checks for people with spinal cord injuries:
- use a mirror on a selfie stick or ask someone to help you check areas that are hard to see, like your bum
- feel your skin to check for changes in temperature or texture
- pay attention to any discoloured areas, as pressure injuries often start as reddened or darkened purplish areas
- check for rashes or swelling, which might be your skin’s reaction to incontinence or moisture.
You’ll find this video useful if you want to learn more about:
- spinal cord injury pressure injury prevention
- how to prevent pressure sores with SCI
- pressure injury prevention education for people with SCI
- preventing pressure injuries, pressure sores, and pressure ulcers
- spinal cord injury care
Pressure injuries (also called bedsores, decubitus ulcers, pressure sores or pressure ulcers) can seriously affect people who are living with a spinal cord injury and others who use wheelchairs for daily living.
Pressure injuries are skin and tissue damage. They are caused by sitting or lying too long on one part of the body. They can also be caused by pressure combined with shear. Shear is when the skin moves one way, and the tissue underneath moves the opposite way. This can happen when you slide down in bed or transfer your weight from one surface to another.
The deeper the injury is, the harder it is to treat. That’s why it is so important to try to prevent them. You, and those who help with your care, should always watch for signs of pressure injuries. Get them treated right away.
If you enjoyed this video about spinal cord injury pressure injury prevention, and how to prevent pressure sores for people with SCI, please remember to like, share, subscribe and leave a comment if you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback. We hope to see you here again soon!
