Bedsores are easier to prevent than to treat, but that doesn't mean the process is easy or uncomplicated. Although wounds can develop in spite of the most scrupulous care, it's possible to prevent them in many cases.

Changing your position frequently and consistently is crucial to preventing bedsores. It takes just a few hours of immobility for a pressure sore to begin to form. For that reason, experts advise shifting position about every 15 minutes that you're in a wheelchair and at least once every two hours, even during the night, if you spend most of your time in bed. If you can't move on your own, a family member or caregiver must be available to help you.

Pressure sores are more likely to develop persons who are at higher risk due to one or more risk factors. A number of risk factors have been identified which put individuals at higher risk. Once a person is identified as being at increased risk for pressure sores, measures should be undertaken to reduce or eliminate those risks. Thus, healthcare providers must be aware of these risk factors when caring for patients in order to prevent the unnecessary development of pressure sores. While risk factors may vary depending upon the particular circumstances, the following represents a list of the most common:

1. Confinement to bed, chair, or wheelchair. Persons confined to beds, chairs, or wheelchairs who are unable to move themselves, can develop pressure-induced injuries in as little as 1-2 hours if the pressure is not relieved;

2. Inability to change positions without help. (Eg., an individual in a coma, who is paralyzed, or recovering from a hip fracture or other mobility limitation.)

3. Loss of bowel or bladder control. Sources of moisture on the skin from urine, stool, or perspiration can irritate the skin.

4. Poor nutrition and/or dehydration. Bed sores are more likely to form when the skin is not properly nourished.

5. Decreased mental awareness. An individual with decreased mental awareness may not have the level of sensory perception or ability to act to prevent the development of pressure-induced injury. The lack of mental awareness may arise from medications.