How to Prevent Pressure Sores in a Wheelchair

Key Takeaways:

Shifting positions and wearing breathable clothing can help protect your skin over time.
Checking your skin daily lets you catch spots before they turn into serious wounds.
When everyone involved, like caregivers, understands how to prevent pressure sores, it lowers the risk.

If you use a wheelchair or care for someone who does, you’ve probably heard of pressure sores; skin injuries that can develop when there’s too much pressure on one area for too long. The good news is that most of them can be avoided with the proper care and attention.

Find out what pressure sores are, why they happen, and how you can prevent and manage them in a wheelchair here.

What Are Pressure Sores?

Pressure sores, also called bedsores or pressure ulcers, happen when skin gets damaged from staying in one position too long; this cuts off blood flow and usually affects areas where the skin is thinner and sits over bones, like the tailbone, lower back, heels, hips, elbows, and shoulder blades. If left untreated, these sores can lead to complications, including infections and even systemic issues.

Bedsores are grouped into four stages based on their severity:

Stage 1: The skin appears red and may feel warm or tender. There isn’t an open wound, but the area may be painful.
Stage 2: The skin breaks down and forms a shallow wound. The area might look red and feel moist.
Stage 3: The sore deepens, causing damage to the skin and underlying tissue. You might see fat, but not bone or muscle.
Stage 4: The most severe stage, where the sore goes deep enough to expose muscle, bones, and tendons.

What Causes Pressure Sores?

Pressure sores usually develop from a mix of internal and external factors. Some people are more at risk than others, especially those with limited mobility and who can’t change positions often.

Internal Factors

Older adults are particularly vulnerable because their skin tends to be thinner and their circulation may not be as strong. Conditions like diabetes can also affect blood flow, which makes the skin more likely to break down. On top of that, poor nutrition and dehydration can weaken the skin and slow down healing.

External Factors

As mentioned above, prolonged pressure on certain parts of the body can cut off blood flow, which damages the skin and underlying tissue. There’s also something called shear, which happens when the skin slides in one direction while the bone underneath moves in another; this typically occurs when someone is moved or repositioned in bed. Even factors like moisture and heat can make the skin more fragile and more likely to develop sores.

Preventing pressure sores is a daily effort, but small changes can make all the difference. Here are some practical ways to protect your skin and stay comfortable.

1.Change Positions Regularly

Try to shift your weight at least every 15 minutes. Learning forward, to the side, or pushing up using the armrests can help relieve pressure on high-risk areas like the tailbone and hips.

2.Use Pressure-Relieving Cushions

A good wheelchair cushion can evenly distribute your weight and take the pressure off bony spots. Look for cushions made specifically for pressure relief; your mobility provider can help you choose one that fits your needs.

3.Keep Skin Clean and Dry

Good hygiene goes a long way. Gently wash and dry your skin every day, and keep an eye out for redness or irritation, especially in areas that stay in contact with your chair. Since moist skin is more prone to breakdown, you can use barrier creams to protect against moisture in high-risk areas.

4.Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Your skin needs proper nutrition to stay strong and heal if it becomes damaged. Try to drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins A and C, zinc, and healthy fats to give your body the building blocks it needs to repair damage.

5.Wear Comfortable, Breathable Clothing

Soft, loose-fitting clothes reduce friction and let your skin breathe, which lowers the risk of irritation. Natural fabrics like cotton are great choices. Avoid tight waistbands, bulky seams, or materials that trap heat and moisture. If you use adult briefs or other protective garments, make sure they’re the right size and are changed regularly.

6.Use a Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair if Available

These types of wheelchairs make it easier to shift your weight without having to completely reposition yourself. By tilting the chair back, you can move pressure away from common trouble spots like your tailbone, hips, and shoulders, which helps prevent sores from forming in the first place. It also reduces the risk of sliding, which can cause skin damage due to shear.

7.Check Your Skin Every Day

Catching problem areas early can prevent them from becoming serious. Try to make it a habit to inspect your skin daily. Look for signs like redness, swelling, or any changes in texture. If you can’t see every part of your body on your own, ask a caregiver for help or use a mirror to check harder-to-see areas.

8.Educate Caregivers or Support Staff

Anyone who helps you move, transfer, or get dressed should understand how to protect your skin. Teach them how to reposition you safely and recognize early signs of pressure sores. The more informed your care team is, the better your chances of preventing injuries.

9.Talk to a Healthcare Provider

Everyone’s needs are different. Your healthcare provider can provide personalized advice based on your health history, mobility level, and the type of wheelchair you use. They may recommend specific cushions, skin care products, or daily routines that fit your lifestyle.

10.Stay Active When You Can

Movement helps keep blood flowing to your skin and muscles. Even if you’re in a wheelchair full-time, small exercises like stretching, shoulder rolls, or leg lifts can boost circulation and reduce your risk of sores. A physical or occupational therapist can suggest safe activities that match your ability level.

How to Care for Pressure Sores

If a pressure sore develops, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. Start by gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water; avoid harsh products that could irritate the skin further. Using the right dressing can protect the area and support healing, but it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider to make sure you’re using the appropriate type for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Pressure Sores Look Like?

It depends on how far along the sore is. In the early stages, you might notice a red or darker patch of skin that doesn’t go away after shifting positions. The area might feel warm and tender. As the sore gets worse, it can break open and form a shallow wound, and in more serious cases, it may expose deeper tissue like fat, muscle, or even bone.

That’s why it’s so important to check the skin regularly; catching a pressure sore early means it’ll be way easier to treat.

How Long Do Pressure Sores Take to Heal?

It generally comes down to how deep the sore is and the individual’s overall health. A mild stage 1 sore might clear up in just a few days with the proper care, while deeper wounds can take weeks, or even months, to fully heal. People with underlying health conditions like diabetes or poor circulation might recover more slowly.

Overall, the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Have Questions About Your Mobility Options?

If you or someone you care for is at risk of developing pressure sores, taking steps to prevent them is incredibly important. At Freedom Mobility, our team is committed to helping you stay comfortable and healthy by offering mobility solutions that fit your specific needs.

Whether you have questions or need help choosing the right equipment, call 800-980-5696 or fill out our contact form today!