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Article: Pressure ulcers: a "pressing" issue.(living WELL)
- Article from:
- Paraplegia News
- Article date:
- August 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Paralyzed Veterans of America. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Pressure ulcers are a serious problem that affects not only physical health and well-being but also socialization, body image, and level of independence. The earlier a pressure ulcer is detected, the easier it is to treat and the less impact it will have on your life. People with spinal-cord injury (SCI) are at lifelong risk for developing pressure ulcers because they can have impaired mobility and sensation.
Skin is the body's largest organ; SCI changes the way it functions. These changes may continue for three to five years after injury and can make skin more fragile. The combination of fragile skin and impaired mobility placing continuous pressure on the same ...