Pressure ulcers are easily diagnosed by visual examination. However, pressure ulcer management aims to prevent ulcers occurring in the first place. So an important part of the diagnostic process is to assess your level of risk of developing them.
As part of the risk assessment process, the healthcare professionals who are involved in your care will consider:
- your general health
- your ability to move
- whether you have any problems that may affect your posture
- whether you have any symptoms that may indicate the presence of infection
- your mental health
- whether you have had pressure ulcers in the past
- whether you have urinary incontinence problems controlling your bladder) or bowel incontinence (problems controlling your bowel)
- your diet
- how well your blood circulation system is working
As part of the risk assessment, you may be referred for blood and urine tests. Blood tests can be a good way of assessing your general state of health and whether your diet is providing enough nutrition.
Urine tests can be used to check how well your kidneys are working and whether you have a urinary tract infection, which is an infection of the kidneys, bladder or urethra (tube between the bladder and the penis or vulva, through which urine is passed). These types of infection can be a cause of concern if you are incontinent or if you have had spinal damage.
Self-assessment
If you are thought to be at risk of developing pressure ulcers but you are not currently staying in a hospital or care home, you may be advised to carry out regular daily checks for evidence of the early signs of the condition.
Look out for areas of discoloration and patches of skin that feel unusually spongy or tough to the touch. Use a mirror to check parts of your body that can be difficult to see, such as your back or buttocks. Contact your GP or your healthcare team if you notice any possible signs of damage.
