| Description |
Pressure ulcers, also called decubitus ulcers and bed sores, are areas of hypoxemic necrosis resulting from compression of capillaries by externally applied pressure. They most commonly develop in areas of the body subjected to prolonged high pressure, such as the trochanters, sacrum and ischia. Very little is known about the local skin circulation in these areas. Reduction of the magnitude and duration of pressure applied to the body surface have been shown to be effective, scientifically based nursing interventions. Interventions based on increasing skin blood flow, although commonly used, have not shown to be effective or scientifically based. The purpose of this study was to compare the skin circulation of areas prone to pressure ulceration with the skin circulation of adjacent, less susceptible areas. The thermal recovery method was use to estimate the skin blood flow over the trochanter and sacrum, and compared to that over the abdomen and groin. No significant differences were found between the thermal recovery values of the trochanter and groin, or between those of the sacrum and abdomen. Although subject's thermal recovery values varied widely, no significant differences were observed based on site, age, sex, diastolic blood pressure, or height/weight ratio. The results of this study indicate a need for continued study of the skin circulation of areas prone to pressure ulceration. The conclusion of other studies utilizing skin temperature as an index of circulation require reexamination. The emphasis in nursing intervention should continue to be directed toward relieving pressure, rather than increasing skin circulation. |
