An overview of chronic wound characteristics.
PRESSURE ULCERS
Predisposing Factors/Cause
Multiple medical diagnoses, age, impaired mobility, decreased mental status, poor nutritional status, incontinence, impaired circulation
Location and Depth
On heels, sacrum, coccyx, occiput, any bony prominences subjected to pressure, friction, or shear; depth ranges from persistent red, blue, or purple area of intact skin (depending on skin color) to deep destruction and loss of tissue
Wound Bed and Wound Appearance
Extensive necrotic tissue may be present (usually greater than suggested by wound's external appearance); extensive undermining, sinus tracts, or tunneling may be present
FIGURE
Exudate/Drainage
Amount varies
Wound Shape and Margins
Usually well-defined; shape frequently is round but will conform to cause of ulcer and may be irregular if large
Surrounding Skin
Should be dry; clinical infection is indicated by redness, warmth, induration or harness, and/or swelling
Pain
Varies
Healing
Must eliminate/reduce pressure, shear, and friction and implement appropriate skin care for healing
Photo: Baranoski S, Ayello E. Wound Care Essentials: Practice Principles. Springhouse, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.