Common Areas Where Pressure Injuries Develop

Areas where pressure injuries commonly develop

Pressure injuries are usually caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. They often form on skin that covers bony areas. The most common sites are the back of the head and ears, the shoulders, the elbows, the lower back and buttocks, the hips, the inner knees, and the heels.

Pressure injuries may also form in places where the skin folds over itself. And they can occur where medical equipment puts pressure on the skin. For example, they may form where oxygen tubing presses on the ears or cheeks.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerMargaret Doucette, DO - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wound Care, Hyperbaric Medicine

Current as ofJune 7, 2017

Current as of: June 7, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Margaret Doucette, DO - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wound Care, Hyperbaric Medicine