1. Home
  2. Health Topics
  3. Search Health Topics
  4. Pressure Injuries

Pressure Injuries

Top of the page

A pressure injury (bed sore) is caused by constant pressure. This often occurs when a person lies in bed or sits in a wheelchair for a long time. Pressure injuries usually form over bony areas such as the hips, lower back, elbows, and heels. To prevent pressure injuries, you need to change positions often.

Severe pressure injuries are hard to treat and slow to heal. If they don't heal, they can lead to skin, blood, or bone infections.

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control