The skin is the largest and heaviest organ in the body. In adults, it is approximately two square meters and makes up about 15% of the body’s weight. Skin is very pliable. Its major function is to protect the body from the environment. It acts as a layer to keep out micro-organisms and prevent infections. It is responsible for regulating body temperature. Many other important functions of the body are also dependent on healthy skin.

People with spinal cord injury and those with severe mobility impairments spend a lot of time in bed or wheelchair. The scapulas (shoulder blades), sacral region (tailbone), elbows, buttocks and heels are spots where the skin is constantly being pressed against the bed or wheelchair. Continuous pressure against those parts will result in pressure sores. Pain is a precursor to developing pressure sore and the loss of sensation or numbness after spinal cord injury exacerbates the condition.

The severity of a pressure sore is categorised into four stages. When one sits or lie down in the same position for too long, the skin around those pressure spots will become red, tender and warm to the tough. This is Stage I. The problem will go away as soon as the pressure is relieved. The tenderness can be reduced and soothed by gentle massaging with skin lotion.

In Stage II, skin loss occurs because the pressure is not relieved. Blood supply to the area is cut off causing tissue to die. It becomes an open sore. This skin loss is usually limited to the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) or includes some of the underlying tissue. It heals fairly quickly if treated promptly.

If continuously left untreated, the open sore becomes deep and crater-like. This is Stage III. All the layers of the skin from epidermis to the dermis (inner layer of the skin) are damaged. There will be muscles and tissue loss too. Even with proper care the sore may take a long time to heal.

By Stage IV, apart from damage of skin, muscle and tissue, bone loss occurs as well. Tendons and ligaments would have been irreparably damaged or destroyed. Pressure sore that has reached this stage will be difficult to treat and may result in fatality resulting from infection.

Pressure sore can be avoided by constantly relieving skin and tissue stress in the body commonly affected by this problem. Paraplegics who have good strength in the arms know the importance of periodically lifting their buttocks off the wheelchair. Quadriplegics should perform assisted pressure relief often with the help of caregivers for the same purpose.

Other factors that can cause pressure sores include the seams of pants, creases on cushion cover and wheelchair seat, skin damage from sliding on coarse surfaces and dampness of the skin from wearing diapers or leaked urine. It is easier and cheaper to prevent pressure sores than treating them. Therefore it is of utmost importance to do a thorough check of the pressure points every morning and before bed for potential signs of pressure sores.

Related Link: Spinal cord injury solicitor Brian Camp & Co. Solicitors, a UK based personal injury solicitors specialising in spinal injury claims.