Pressure Sores

Skin is the largest organ of the body, and completely covers the rest of the body, and protects it from external factors such as germs. It helps control body temperature   and insulates us against cold and helps us cool down if we get too hot. It has nerve endings that means that we can feel different sensations when the skin is touched or injured.The skin will absorb moisture, stops it becoming waterlogged, but stores water and fat in its cells. The skin also uses sunlight to make Vitamin D. It excretes waste products by sweating,
The skin is made up of three layers. The epidermis is the top layer which is waterproof and protects the outside of the body. Underneath this is the dermis which is the connective tissue, nerve endings, hair follicles and sweat glands. The deepest layer of the skin is the hypodermis, which is made up of mostly fatty tissue and contains blood vessels, which insulates and protects the body.
Pressure sores happen when blood supply is constantly restricted to a part of a body, usually over a bony area, which then may cause the skin to be injured and break down. Then the underlying layers of the skin may become damaged and an ulcer may form. If it is left, it can become infected.

Common pressure area sites on the body are:
The back of the head and ears
Shoulders and elbows
Spine, hips, sacrum and buttocks
Thigh, knees and legs
Ankles, heels and toes

There are many factors which might put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores. These may include;
Mobility problems. This could be caused by an injury or illness. An individual may be unable or unwilling to move due to pain.   Nerve damage through Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease may also contribute to a person having restricted mobility.
Poor nutrition. If an individual has problems with eating and drinking they may become dehydrated or lose weight which will cause skin to deteriorate, which could lead to breakdown of the skin....