Skin indicators to watch for

It is essential that skin is checked for signs of colour change or marking before getting up into the wheelchair and immediately on return to bed.

• • You might need to use a mirror to check all your own levels or ask someone else to help on a regular basis.
  • When in bed, all pressure should be relieved from any pink or red marks until the mark has faded completely or the heat change has gone.
  • If the skin marks, but then completely fades before 30 minutes, you can continue with your mobilisation to the next stage.

NOTE: If you have dark skin, you may not pick up early colour changes by looking. but will need to feel for heat differences over the bony points. Again ask to be shown how to do this.