New insights in the development of pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are associated with a lot of pain, discomfort and increased mortality. It costs the Dutch society more than a billion euros per year. Pressure ulcers are created by pressure and shear forces affecting the skin. Currently, the market mainly offers products that reduce pressure, while not focusing on reduction of shear forces. In this study, a model was developed for administering shear forces to the skin, and displayed more harm than just administering pressure. Wound dressings were then glued to the skin and, for the first time, showed significant reduction of the harmful effect of shear forces. That is why wound dressings are potentially interesting materials to enable further prevention of pressure ulcers in the future.