Pressure Ulcers in the Aging Population

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It receives 5–10 % of the\rcardiac output. Pressure ulcers, rare in the general patient population, are a common\rchronic skin disorder in the neurologically impaired and the frail elderly. Recognition\rand treatment initially falls to the generalist nurse and physician. Dermatologists are\rusually not involved in pressure ulcer care. At times nurse specialists and surgeons\rare called as consultants.\rA basic knowledge of skin anatomy and wound healing physiology is imperative\rto optimal treatment of chronic wounds. The skin is more than a passive barrier that\rheals itself. Wound healing is a complex highly orchestrated interaction of cells and\rcellular mediators operating in the extracellular matrix.\rThis chapter outlines normal skin anatomy and function as a foundation to build\ran understanding of normal and impaired wound healing physiology. The concepts\routlined can be applied to healing in all acute and chronic wounds. Special emphasis\ris placed on age-related skin changes and wound healing. Abnormalities of and\rdelays in healing in older patients with chronic wounds are covered. The chapter is\ran introduction to many of the concepts covered in the volume.