The third Thursday of November every year is dedicated to Stop Pressure (Ulcers) Injury Day. This year Stop Pressure Injury Day will be held on 20 November 2025. The Purpose of this day is to raise awareness around pressure injuries; this includes how they develop and how we can reduce risks to prevent them developing.
The primary risk factor to developing a pressure injury is impaired mobility. NPIAP defines a pressure injury as "localised damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue, as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear. Pressure injuries usually occur over a bony prominence but may also be related to a medical device or other object. Tolerance may be affected by microclimate, perfusion, age, health status, co-morbidities, and conditions of the soft tissue. " Essentially what this means is that pressure injuries (formally known as Pressure Ulcers or Bed Sores) happen around boney areas on your body where there is less bulk between the bone and the skin. Think about your tailbone or ankle bone for example. If you sit on your tail bone for a long time, your body weight is creating pressure. There are lots of risk factors that can contribute to developing a pressure injury. Let’s have a look at what these are.
How do pressure injuries happen?
Some people are at a higher risk of developing pressure injuries due to intrinsic or personal risk factors. These are things about your body or health that might make you more likely to get a pressure injury. Everyone is different, but some common risk factors include:
If you’re not sure what your personal risk factors are, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare team. They can help you understand your risks and how to manage them.
Extrinsic risk factors are things outside your body that can cause pressure injuries — and the good news is, many of them can be managed or changed. They include pressure, shear, and micro-climate. Your therapists can work with you and take these into consideration when selecting your seated support surfaces (or mattress and other seated surfaces).
Pressure occurs when part of your body (like your sit bones or spine) is pressed against a surface. The pressure caused by this can reduce blood flow to the skin and muscle, which can lead to damage.
Shear can happen both internally and externally. It happens when your skin stays in one place, but the bones and tissues underneath move. This pulling and stretching can damage the tissues deep under the skin, even if the surface looks okay. This pulling, pushing and twisting of tissues, muscles and vessels leads to cell and tissue damage. Unfortunately, we are unable to measure internal shear , stress, and strain as it occurs inside the body, typically between the muscle and tissues under our sit bones or at the bottom of the spine.
Microclimate refers to the temperature, moisture, and airflow around your skin. If your skin gets too hot or sweaty, it can become soft and more likely to break down. Think about how your skin gets wrinkly after a long bath — that’s a sign it’s more fragile. Keeping your skin dry and cool helps protect it.
Pressure Injuries – They are Easier to Prevent!
The good news is that many of these risks can be managed. Some key hints and tips include:
Ultimately, pressure injuries should not be taken lightly. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and a pressure injury can have a significant impact on your wellbeing and quality of life. If you are not sure about your risks, you see a change in your skin, or something just doesn’t feel right, reach out to your treating team ASAP. It is always better to be on the safe side.
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Useful information, created with and for wheelchair users.
Disclaimer
The content in this blog is intended to be informative and empowering, sharing general insights and experiences around life with assistive technology. It reflects the views of the author and is not a substitute for personalised medical, clinical, or professional advice.
Everyone’s needs, goals, and health circumstances are unique. If you’re considering any changes to your equipment, routines, or support, we always recommend speaking with your Occupational Therapist, healthcare team, or another qualified professional.