Painehaava

Painehaava, commonly called a pressure ulcer, is a localized tissue injury caused by prolonged pressure that reduces blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. It most often forms over bony areas in people who are immobile, have reduced sensation, or suffer from incontinence‑related moisture. It is a common concern in clinical and caregiving settings.

Clinically, pressure injuries are staged from I to IV, reflecting depth and tissue involvement. Stage I shows non‑blanching red skin; Stage II is partial-thickness skin loss; Stage III involves full-thickness loss with fat visible; Stage IV extends to muscle or bone. Unstageable and deep tissue injuries indicate uncertain depth.

Risk factors include prolonged immobility, advanced age, malnutrition, diabetes, vascular disease, cognitive impairment, and moisture from incontinence or sweating. Mechanical factors such as shear, friction, and repetitive pressure contribute to tissue damage. Prevention focuses on reducing pressure and maintaining skin integrity.

Assessment combines visual inspection, wound measurement, and staging, with attention to signs of infection. Tools such as the Braden scale help estimate risk. Diagnosis guides treatment, which ranges from conservative wound care to surgical intervention for severely damaged tissue.

Prevention and treatment emphasize regular repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, skin care, and nutrition. Wound care may involve cleansing, debridement, appropriate dressings, infection management, and pain control. Healing rates vary with stage and overall health; early intervention yields better outcomes.

Painehaava is a preventable condition in many cases. When managed promptly with multidisciplinary support, many injuries heal, while delayed care can lead to complications such as infection or chronic wounds.