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Most pressure sores heal eventually, although it can take a long time. It's best to prevent them if at all possible.

If you get a pressure sore in a hospital, it could delay your recovery and stop you from going home for a long time.

Pressure sores usually affect just your skin. But sometimes pressure can also damage deeper tissues, such as muscle. If these tissues die, a deep wound appears that may go down as far as the bone.

If you have to stay in a bed, chair, or wheelchair, a health care professional should visit you to assess your chances of getting a pressure sore.

If they think you are at risk of getting a pressure sore, your doctors and nurses should try hard to protect your skin by:¹

• Checking it regularly, or showing you or your caregiver how to do it
• Shifting your position regularly, or showing you or your caregiver how to do it
• Taking care not to rub or drag your skin when lifting you
• Drawing up a timetable to help you keep moving
• Using an extra supporting foam mattress, if you are in bed.

You can help yourself by:

• Shifting your position regularly, if you can
• Drinking plenty of liquids
• Eating a healthy diet
• Quitting smoking, if you smoke.

Big pressure sores can be hard to treat. They may heal slowly if your body is already fighting another serious medical condition, such as a stroke. But there are plenty of different mattresses, dressings and other treatments you can try. It's important that you or your caregiver discuss all the options with the health professionals looking after you.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.