What condition can arise from prolonged pressure on the skin?

Prolonged pressure on the skin can lead to the development of a pressure ulcer, also known as a bed sore or decubitus ulcer. These ulcers occur when there is sustained pressure that restricts blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, typically over bony areas such as heels, hips, and the sacrum.

The lack of blood flow can cause localized tissue damage, and if not relieved, can progress through stages of severity, potentially leading to significant tissue loss and complications such as infection. Key preventive measures for pressure ulcers include regular repositioning, adequate cushioning, and maintaining skin integrity, highlighting the importance of awareness and intervention in at-risk individuals. This condition explicitly results from prolonged pressure, setting it apart from other skin conditions that arise from different etiologies, such as infections, inflammatory disorders, or scarring.