Prevention

How to prevent pressure injuries

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Self-management tips

Action: Reposition yourself and/or lean forwards or from side-to-side in your wheelchair. Try to lean for 2 minutes, at least once every hour.

Action: Use a mirror and/or touch to see or feel your skin, or instruct others to check your skin if you cannot check it yourself.

Ensure you have a mattress that meets your needs.

Action: If you are using an air mattress, ask your therapist for instructions and then teach others how to use the equipment properly.

Learn how to look after and maintain your cushion, and always have a repair kit handy. Seating should be reviewed when replacing cushions, chairs or if problems develop. Avoid over-inflating your cushion, if you have the cushion shown in the picture.

Action: If unsure, see a seating specialist.

air cushion

Knowing how to identify skin damage can help you decide on the right course of action and recognise improvement or further breakdown.

Action: Understand the different stages of skin breakdown.
Early detection reduces time to healing, improves outcomes and decreases cost.

Image courtesy of The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2016

Action: Keep your skin clean and dry, especially after showering or swimming. Pay attention to the groin, between the buttocks and in between your toes.

t-shirt on a coat hanger
Tight-fitting clothes and shoes can damage skin.

Action: Wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather. Wear properly fitting shoes to avoid too much pressure which can cause an ingrown toenail.

a plate of food separated by colour
A healthy lifestyle will assist in keeping your skin healthy.

illustration of skin products
Powders can turn into tiny hard balls when moist, causing damage to the skin. Creams can make your skin ‘soggy’, making it more susceptible to breakdown.

Action: Avoid using powders and ensure creams are gently applied and completely absorbed.

Action: Understand the side effects of certain medications, such as sensitivity to sun if taking Baclofen (Lioresal) for spasms.

How to prevent heat injuries

When bathing

Check yourself or ask someone to check the water temperature by dipping the hand (with normal sensation) into the water for 5 seconds. If you feel comfortable, then the water temperature is safe.
Do not set your hot water system higher than 48 degrees Celsius.

Use of heat packs

Avoid them, especially on body parts with little to no sensation.

Household amenities

Do not sit too close to heat inside your house such as fireplaces, hot stove burners and radiators. When outdoors, don’t sit too close to campfires.
Do not use electric blankets.
Do not carry hot fluids or foods in your lap without a tray. Have a cup holder and do not overfill the cup.

How to prevent cold injuries

Outside in cold weather

Cover your head, nose, ears, chin and hands.
Wear warm socks and sturdy shoes.
Remove any wet clothing.

Please note: If you feel cold and tingling on your ears, then most likely your feet are cold too so move indoors.

Ice packs

Always wrap them in a towel.
Do not use them for more than 10 minutes.

Please note: Be careful with carrying frozen food on your lap in the supermarket.

Using a wheelchair

Wear gloves to push your manual wheelchair.

Please note: Wheelchair parts and gel cushion can get cold and may cause your skin to dry out, causing cracks, splits and cold injuries that are hard to heal.