{"id":5177,"date":"2026-04-12T11:57:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T11:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/?page_id=5177"},"modified":"2026-04-12T23:48:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T23:48:25","slug":"pressure-sores-injury","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/pressure-sores-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"Pressure sores injury"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_137580306\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1572930701\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-203189880\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<style>\n.a3d{background:linear-gradient(150deg,#7F1D1D 0%,#C0392B 55%,#EF4444 100%);padding:44px 40px 40px;width:100%;overflow:hidden;}\n.a3d *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0;}\n.a3d-in{max-width:860px;margin:0 auto;}\n.a3d-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.a3d-tag{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase;background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.28);color:#fff;padding:4px 12px;border-radius:20px;white-space:nowrap;}\n.a3d-line{flex:1;height:1px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.2);min-width:20px;}\n.a3d-series{font-size:10px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);white-space:nowrap;}\n.a3d-title{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:30px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.2;color:#fff;margin-bottom:12px;}\n.a3d-sub{font-size:15px;font-weight:300;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);line-height:1.65;max-width:600px;margin-bottom:24px;}\n.a3d-stats{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;}\n.a3d-stat{flex:1;min-width:100px;padding:12px 16px;border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.a3d-stat:last-child{border-right:none;}\n.a3d-num{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;line-height:1;margin-bottom:3px;}\n.a3d-lbl{font-size:9px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;}\n@media(max-width:600px){\n.a3d{padding:32px 20px 28px;}\n.a3d-title{font-size:22px;}\n.a3d-stat{border-right:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);flex:0 0 50%;}\n.a3d-stat:nth-child(odd){border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.a3d-stat:nth-last-child(-n+2){border-bottom:none;}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"a3d\">\n<div class=\"a3d-in\">\n<div class=\"a3d-row\">\n      <span class=\"a3d-tag\">Article 3 \u00b7 SCI Skin Care Series<\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"a3d-line\"><\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"a3d-series\">4-Part Series<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-title\">Pressure Injury After Spinal Cord Injury: Understanding, Staging &amp; Treatment<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-sub\">Pressure injuries begin where you can&#8217;t see them. Understanding the stages, the warning signs, and the treatment process is essential knowledge for every person living with SCI.<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-stats\">\n<div class=\"a3d-stat\">\n<div class=\"a3d-num\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-lbl\">Stages of Injury<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-stat\">\n<div class=\"a3d-num\">6+<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-lbl\">Treatment Methods<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-stat\">\n<div class=\"a3d-num\">911<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-lbl\">Sepsis = Emergency<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-stat\">\n<div class=\"a3d-num\">0<\/div>\n<div class=\"a3d-lbl\">Pressure on Injury<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_137580306 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1236483908\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:\u201d#FECACA\u201d;border-width:\u201c0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1152168541\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-541602622\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px;font-size:12px;color:#475569;\">\n  <a href=\"\/en\/\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;\">Home<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <a href=\"\/en\/today-s-care\/\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;\">Today&#8217;s Care<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <a href=\"\/en\/today-s-care\/skin-care\/\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;\">Skin Care<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <span>Pressure Injury<\/span><br \/>\n  <span style=\"margin-left:auto;color:#64748B;font-size:11px;\">\ud83d\udcc5 April 2026 &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; \ud83d\udcd6 ~3,500 words \u00b7 17 min read<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1236483908 {\n  padding-top: \u201c10px\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c10px\u201d;\n  background-color: \u201d#FEF2F2\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1833612864\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1413980924\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-228135642\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#FEF2F2;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 26px;margin-bottom:28px;\">\n<p style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 14px;\">\ud83d\udccb In This Article<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:5px 24px;\">\n<ol style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s1\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Why SCI Increases Risk<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s2\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">What Is a Pressure Injury?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s3\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Stages I\u2013IV &amp; Special Types<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s4\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Assessment &amp; Diagnosis<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\" style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s5\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Treatment \u2014 Closed &amp; Open Injuries<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s6\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Advanced Treatments<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s7\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Sepsis &amp; Outdated Treatments<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s8\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Recovery &amp; Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:17px;line-height:1.8;color:#475569;border-left:4px solid #C0392B;padding-left:20px;margin:0 0 44px;font-weight:300;\">Pressure injuries begin internally \u2014 where you cannot see them start. After SCI, the changes in skin, muscle, and sensation create serious risk over bony areas. This guide explains every stage, every treatment, and what full recovery actually requires.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1833612864 {\n  padding-top: \u201c28px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c28px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_2008317734\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1860086804\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-340024208\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s1\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 16px;\">Why Spinal Cord Injury Increases Pressure Injury Risk<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 16px;\">After spinal cord injury, changes in the skin create the exact conditions for pressure injury. Collagen \u2014 which gives strength to skin \u2014 is decreased, as is blood supply. Muscle size decreases due to immobility and is replaced by an increased fat layer. Sensation is decreased or absent depending on injury type and level.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">Normally, bony prominences of the skeleton rest on muscle tissue, which disperses pressure throughout the muscle. As muscle thins, it is less able to do this. Fat tissue condenses under pressure \u2014 creating even more concentrated force over the bony area. This collapses blood vessels so circulation cannot be achieved. Sensation would normally signal you to shift your weight, but after SCI that signal is diminished or gone entirely.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FEE2E2;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83e\uddec<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Decreased Collagen &amp; Blood Supply<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Skin becomes more fragile and slower to heal. Even minor sustained pressure can cause damage that would not occur in healthy skin.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FEE2E2;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83d\udcaa<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Muscle Loss \u2192 Fat Increase<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Fat condenses under pressure rather than dispersing it \u2014 concentrating force directly over bony prominences and collapsing the tiny capillaries beneath.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FEE2E2;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83e\udd1a<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Absent or Reduced Sensation<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">The normal signal to shift position \u2014 which would re-open compressed capillaries \u2014 is gone. Damage occurs silently, from the inside out.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEE2E2;border-left:4px solid #C0392B;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 5px;\">High-Risk Bony Areas<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>When lying:<\/strong> heels, tailbone, elbows, back of head, shoulder blades. &nbsp;<strong>When seated:<\/strong> sit bones, tailbone, back of knees, shoulder blades, feet. Inspect all of these areas at every skin check.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_2008317734 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_616410079\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1854154484\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1142238134\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s2\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 16px;\">What Is a Pressure Injury?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 16px;\">A pressure injury (PI) may also be called a <strong>pressure ulcer, skin breakdown, pressure sore, bed sore,<\/strong> or <strong>decubitus ulcer.<\/strong> It begins internally \u2014 where you cannot see it start. The first visible sign may be a darkened, red, or ashy spot on the skin due to collapsed blood vessels, most commonly over a bony prominence or cartilage area.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 8px;\">\ud83e\uddb4 Bony Prominences<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">The end of a bone where it has a bump \u2014 chin bone, elbow, knee. These points are where pressure concentrates most intensely against skin from below.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 8px;\">\ud83d\udc42 Cartilage Areas<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">The outer ear and tip of the nose are cartilage, not bone \u2014 but equally vulnerable to pressure injury, especially when lying on one side for extended periods.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-left:4px solid #BE123C;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udea8<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#BE123C;margin:0 0 5px;\">Injury Is Deeper Than It Looks<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Pressure injury is staged by how it looks on the surface \u2014 but the injury is most likely <strong>much deeper<\/strong> than what is visible. Never underestimate what you can see on the skin&#8217;s surface.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_616410079 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n  background-color: \u201d#FEF2F2\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_609077142\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-186961609\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1938610096\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s3\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 20px;\">Stages I\u2013IV &amp; Special Types<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-left:4px solid #FCA5A5;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;margin:0 0 4px;\">Stage I<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 8px;\">Pigmentation Change<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">A pigmented area on the skin that may be painful if you have sensation. In darker skin, may appear bluish or purplish; in lighter skin, red. Skin may be warm or cool, firm or soft. There may be edema at or beyond the site.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-left:4px solid #F87171;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;margin:0 0 4px;\">Stage II<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 8px;\">Blister or Open Injury<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">The skin blisters or forms an open injury. The epidermis (top layer) may be open or removed. The injury extends into the dermis. The surrounding area may be red and irritated.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-left:4px solid #EF4444;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;margin:0 0 4px;\">Stage III<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 8px;\">Deep Crater<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">An open, sunken crater extending into the fat layer. Body fat may be visible at the bottom. White patches may indicate infection or decaying tissue. Edges may be hard and rounded inward \u2014 called <strong>epibole.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-left:4px solid #DC2626;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;margin:0 0 4px;\">Stage IV<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 8px;\">Bone Involvement<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">The pressure injury has reached the bone. There can be damage to muscle, bone, tendons, and joints. This is the most serious stage and requires immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#1E293B;margin:24px 0 12px;\">Two Additional Types<\/h3>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin:0 0 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#FEF2F2;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-radius:10px;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 6px;\">\ud83d\udfeb Unstageable<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 8px;\">Covered in eschar \u2014 a yellow, tan, green, or brown dead tissue that makes depth impossible to assess. Eschar keeps germs out but may hide internal infection.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#BE123C;margin:0;\">\ud83d\udea8 Never remove eschar yourself \u2014 let your medical professional assess it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF2F2;border:1px solid #FECACA;border-radius:10px;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 6px;\">\ud83d\udfe3 Deep Tissue Injury<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 8px;\">Develops in tissue deep below the skin. The area may appear dark purple or maroon, with a possible blood-filled blister.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#BE123C;margin:0;\">\u26a0\ufe0f Can rapidly become a Stage III or IV \u2014 act immediately.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_609077142 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1048283589\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-698421156\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1439744220\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s4\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 16px;\">Assessment &amp; Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\"><strong>You are the first line of defense for your skin.<\/strong> Inspect for rashes, calluses, open areas, pigmentation changes, temperature differences, cuts, tears, or abrasions. If you detect an issue that cannot be simply treated, stay off the area and contact your healthcare professional immediately.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 12px;\">What Your Healthcare Team Will Do<\/h3>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Physical examination<\/strong> with complete skin assessment, focusing on the area of possible pressure injury.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">2<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Blood tests<\/strong> to assess for infection and nutritional status.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">3<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Wound swab<\/strong> if the area is open, to assess for infection inside the injury.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">4<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>ADL review<\/strong> \u2014 questions about transfers, turning ability, pressure release frequency, and equipment evaluation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">5<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>CT scan or MRI<\/strong> for injuries where depth cannot be assessed \u2014 especially to determine bone involvement or infection.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEE2E2;border-left:4px solid #C0392B;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udca1<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 5px;\">The Blanch Test<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">A healthcare professional places pressure on the area with one finger, once. If blood flow is present, the area will empty and immediately refill (blanch). No colour change means blood flow is absent. This test should be done <strong>only once, by one professional<\/strong> \u2014 additional testing adds further injury without changing results.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1048283589 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n  background-color: \u201d#FEF2F2\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_582387237\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-669583063\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1169761102\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s5\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 16px;\">Treatment \u2014 Closed &amp; Open Injuries<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">Treatment of pressure injuries takes time. You may need assistance from another person for dressing changes, transfers, and daily activities. Work time and family time may be lost during healing.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin:0 0 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#FEF2F2;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 10px;\">\ud83d\udd12 Closed Injuries<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 10px;\">If the skin is not open, <strong>the only treatment is to stay completely off the area.<\/strong> No pressure whatsoever \u2014 not for work, school, hygiene, or any other reason.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0;line-height:1.6;\">Found early \u2192 may resolve within hours. Every hour of delay adds healing time. This is non-negotiable.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF2F2;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 10px;\">\ud83e\ude79 Open Injuries<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 10px;\">Require a sterile dressing plus complete pressure removal. Clean with prescribed solution or clean water only.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#BE123C;margin:0;\">\ud83d\udea8 Hydrogen peroxide is NOT recommended \u2014 it destroys granulation (new cell formation).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 12px;\">Debridement &amp; Packing<\/h3>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 8px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FEE2E2;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2697\ufe0f<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Debridement<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Some injuries debride spontaneously under an airtight dressing. Enzymes can assist with light debridement at each dressing change. When more intervention is needed, a scalpel, chemical, or \u2014 successfully in some cases \u2014 maggot therapy removes eschar, necrotic tissue, or tissue without circulation. <strong>Only performed by a healthcare professional.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FEE2E2;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83e\ude7b<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Packing<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Open injuries require light packing \u2014 healing must happen from the <strong>bottom up<\/strong>, with skin closure last. If the skin closes before the wound bed has healed, a pocket forms that can reopen or become a closed infection. As tissue heals, packing reduces. Some packing contains medication or is placed wet and removed dry, providing additional debridement.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_582387237 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1687681671\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1997943741\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1841447010\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s6\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 16px;\">Advanced Treatments<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #FECACA;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83d\udd0b<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;margin:0 0 6px;\">Suction-Based<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Adds low-pressure suction to the injury, drawing out drainage. A motorised power pack sits at the bedside or on the wheelchair. Special insurance authorisation is required.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #FECACA;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\u26a1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Electrical Stimulation<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;margin:0 0 6px;\">Stage III &amp; IV<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Assists healing by increasing blood flow, oxygenation, and granulation of tissue. Used for Stage III or Stage IV pressure injuries.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #FECACA;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83e\udec1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;margin:0 0 6px;\">Pressurised Oxygen<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Places your entire body or injured part in a chamber delivering 100% oxygen under pressure. The oxygen is thought to significantly speed healing of the wound bed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #FECACA;border-top:3px solid #C0392B;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83c\udfe5<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Surgical Closure<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#C0392B;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;margin:0 0 6px;\">Stage III &amp; IV \u00b7 Major Commitment<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Removes non-healing tissue, may reduce the bony prominence, rotates a flap of healthy muscle for cushioning and blood flow, and closes with healthy skin. Patients remain off the area for six months to one year, then gradually return to seating \u2014 starting at 5 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1687681671 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n  background-color: \u201d#FEF2F2\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1789942241\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-234060604\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-25578671\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s7\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 16px;\">Sepsis &amp; Outdated Treatments<\/h2>\n<div style=\"background:#7F1D1D;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 24px;margin:0 0 24px;\">\n<p style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 10px;\">\ud83d\udea8 Sepsis \u2014 A Medical Emergency<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);line-height:1.7;margin:0 0 14px;\">Infected pressure injuries can become septic. Sepsis spreads throughout the body, affecting major organs. It can be fatal if not treated promptly. <strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room immediately<\/strong> if you experience:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:6px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Presence of infection or possible infection<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Elevated temp &gt; 38.3\u00b0C \/ 101.3\u00b0F<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Fast heart rate &gt; 90 beats per minute<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Fast respiratory rate &gt; 20 breaths\/min<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Confusion or coma<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Edema in extremities, neck, or face<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Elevated blood sugar without diabetes<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-radius:6px;padding:8px 12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.5);flex-shrink:0;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Low temp &lt; 36\u00b0C \/ 97\u00b0F<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 12px;\">Outdated Treatments to Avoid<\/h3>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:10px;margin:0 0 8px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:12px 14px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE123C;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Massage<\/strong> \u2014 adds more pressure, causing further damage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:12px 14px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE123C;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Alcohol rubs<\/strong> \u2014 do nothing to improve blood flow and add pressure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:12px 14px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE123C;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Donut cushions<\/strong> \u2014 create a constriction ring that reduces blood flow to the affected area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:12px 14px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE123C;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Non-medical honey<\/strong> \u2014 only medical-grade honey applied to the wound has evidence; eating it has no effect.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:12px 14px;background:#FEF2F2;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE123C;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Amputation<\/strong> \u2014 not a treatment for pressure injuries. Healing takes time, but it does happen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1789942241 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1746519213\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1024681735\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1322109720\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s8\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#7F1D1D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FEE2E2;margin:0 0 16px;\">Recovery from Pressure Injury<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 16px;\">The area of a healed pressure injury is very fragile. Healed skin has no elasticity \u2014 it is essentially a scar. Even if surgically closed, that skin is not accustomed to pressure and has a significantly greater chance of re-injury.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 12px;\">Gradual Return to Pressure \u2014 Step by Step<\/h3>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Begin by lying or sitting on the area for <strong>no more than 5 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">2<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Stay <strong>completely off the area for a minimum of two hours<\/strong> after each session.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">3<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Inspect the skin for any pigmentation change<\/strong> after each session before proceeding.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">4<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">If no change, <strong>gradually increase pressure time<\/strong> over days and weeks until normal time is reached.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FECACA;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">5<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Continue pressure releases throughout<\/strong> every session \u2014 even during the recovery period.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEE2E2;border-left:4px solid #C0392B;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 5px;\">Any Pigmentation Change = Stop Immediately<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">If you detect any colour change in the healed area during recovery, remove pressure immediately and contact your healthcare provider. Do not continue increasing time until the area has been re-assessed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1746519213 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n  background-color: \u201d#FEF2F2\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_244089315\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-592451555\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-74911411\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#7F1D1D;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Resources &amp; Further Reading<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px;\">\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Reeve Foundation Information Specialists<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0;\">800-539-7309 \u00b7 Monday\u2013Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET \u2014 free expert support for people living with paralysis and SCI.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Paralyzed Veterans of America \u2014 Clinical Practice Guidelines<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pva.org\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pva.org \u2014 evidence-based clinical guidelines for pressure injury prevention and treatment<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP)<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/npiap.com\/page\/FreeMaterials\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">npiap.com\/page\/FreeMaterials \u2014 free patient and clinician resources on staging and treatment<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Your Rehabilitation or Wound Care Team<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0;\">Contact your physiatrist, wound care nurse, or occupational therapist at the first sign of any skin change. Early intervention prevents Stage I from becoming Stage IV.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_244089315 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_108112218\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1152100518\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-439649415\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#C0392B;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Key Takeaways<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Pressure injuries begin deep inside the body \u2014 what you see on the skin surface is only a fraction of the total damage. Never underestimate any pigmentation change.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">For closed injuries, the only treatment is zero pressure on the area \u2014 no exceptions, not for any activity. Found early, pigmentation may resolve within hours.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Never use hydrogen peroxide on open wounds \u2014 it destroys granulation tissue and actively prevents healing. Clean with prescribed solution or clean water only.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency. If you have a pressure injury and develop fever, fast heart rate, confusion, or edema \u2014 call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Recovery requires a gradual return to pressure \u2014 starting at 5 minutes, checking for any pigmentation change, and only increasing time slowly over weeks. Healed skin is scar tissue and has no tolerance for pressure without this process.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_108112218 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_141159346\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-width:\u201c1px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1405767456\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1651939920\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.1em;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0;\">\ud83d\udcda SCI Skin Care Series \u2014 4-Part Series<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1651939920 > .col-inner {\n  padding: \u201c10px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-872150159\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-639522067\" class=\"col medium-3 small-6 large-3\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#C0392B;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 1<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Understanding Your Skin<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-639522067 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1377719775\" class=\"col medium-3 small-6 large-3\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#C0392B;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Common Skin Conditions<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1377719775 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1515636706\" class=\"col medium-3 small-6 large-3\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#C0392B;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 3<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#7F1D1D;margin:0 0 5px;\">Pressure Injury: Staging &amp; Treatment<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:10px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 9px;border-radius:12px;background:#C0392B;color:#fff;\">You are here<\/span><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/skin-article-4\/\" class=\"button primary is-smaller\" style=\"border-radius:99px;\">\n\t\t<span>Next<\/span>\n\t<i class=\"icon-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/a>\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1515636706 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-352681903\" class=\"col medium-3 small-6 large-3\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#C0392B;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 4<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Wound Care &amp; When to Seek Help<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-352681903 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_141159346 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n  margin-bottom: \u201c20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1902872959\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:\u201d#E2E8F0\u201d;border-width:\u201c1px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1169189735\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-99781705\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#64748B;line-height:1.7;margin:0;\">For more information, contact the Reeve Foundation Information Specialists at 800-539-7309, Monday\u2013Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Clinical Practice Guidelines: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pva.org\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pva.org<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/npiap.com\/page\/FreeMaterials\" style=\"color:#C0392B;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">npiap.com<\/a> &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; &copy; 2026 AccessLife<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1902872959 {\n  padding-top: \u201c16px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5177","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5177"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5234,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5177\/revisions\/5234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}