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Reapplying pressure:
Only when a pressure sore is completely healed can pressure be
reapplied over the area. Complete healing means that the outer
layer of skin (the epidermis) is unbroken and normal colouring
has returned to the area. Sometimes a scar may remain. A scar is
healed tissue but will remain a somewhat different colour from
the surrounding skin. Scar tissue is never as tough as uninjured
skin.
The first time pressure is applied
to a newly healed area, it must be for a very short time (15
minutes at most). Then remove pressure from the area and inspect
it for redness (erythema). If there is redness, observe it and
time carefully how long it takes to fade to the colour of the
surrounding tissue (or the colour it was before the pressure was
applied in the case of a scar). If fading occurs in 15 minutes
or less, no damage has occurred. Wait at least one hour and
repeat pressure application.
After three successful 15-minute
trials, increase to 30 minutes and repeat the above process
using the guideline of a 15-minute or less fading time as a
successful trial. After three successful 30-minute trials, you
may increase the time by 30 minutes each day.
If at any point a trial is not
successful, hold at that level until three successful trials are
accomplished. In this way, you will rebuild your skin pressure
tolerance.
Pressure Sores
Stages of Pressure Sores
Reapplying
Pressure
Skin Management
Prevention Tips
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