Table 1 Causation and management of pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers
From: Technologies to monitor the health of loaded skin tissues
| Â | Pressure ulcer | Diabetic foot ulcer |
|---|---|---|
Prime responsibility | Nurse | Podiatrist |
Causation—mechanical | Pressure, shear and friction Prolonged loading | Pressure, shear and friction High rate loading applied in a repetitive manner Ill-fitting shoes |
Causation—microclimate | Temperature, humidity, incontinence | Temperature, humidity |
Intrinsic factors | Immobility Insensitive | Structural deformity e.g. Rheumatoid, Charcot’s foot Neuropathic, Peripheral arterial disease |
Tissue susceptibility | Reduction in stiffness Tissue atrophy | Increase in stiffness Tissue migration |
Management | Immersion, pressure redistribution, alternating pressure | Pressure redistribution, total casts |