Decubitus ulcer development: pressure alone increases tissue temperature

Pressure ulcers of the buttocks in persons confined to wheel-chairs can be a serious problem. The reduction in blood flow to the tissues caused by the pressure from the ischial tuberosities is a key factor in pressure ulcer development of the buttocks. Also, increase in tissue temperature due to surface insulation, or systemic temperature increase, are risk factors in pressure ulcer development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect on skin temperature of pressure alone, regardless of surface insulation. Able-bodied, healthy individuals ( n = 12) were subjected to an increase in pressure of the tissues overlaying the left ischial tuberosity up to 320 mmHg. The skin temperature was measured on the loaded left buttock half and on the unloaded right buttock half for control. The skin temperature increased significantly 2.7 (0.4)°C (men) and 2.7 (0.6)°C (women) on the loaded left side ( p