What is the primary cause of pressure ulcers?

The primary cause of pressure ulcers is prolonged pressure on the skin. When an area of skin, especially over bony prominences, is subjected to continuous pressure, it can impede blood flow to the tissues. This deprivation of blood supply leads to tissue ischemia, and if not relieved, it can result in skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers.

While factors like inadequate hydration and lack of nutrients can contribute to the overall risk of developing pressure ulcers by compromising skin integrity and overall health, the immediate and direct cause of these ulcers is the sustained pressure. Excessive movement, on the other hand, may lead to friction or shear forces that could aggravate skin integrity but does not directly cause pressure ulcers in the same way.