Brazil alerts on rising risk of pressure injuries among bedridden patients

Pressure injuries, also known as escaras, are a frequent complication for bedridden patients in Brazil. International guidelines estimate that up to six in ten people confined to a bed may develop such lesions, especially when risk factors such as advanced age, limited mobility, malnutrition and prolonged static positioning are present.

Early signs include localized redness, increased warmth, tenderness or pain. According to wound‑care specialist Dr. Micheline Sarquis, "Many people only seek help when the escara already exists, the dark hardened wound. But before that, the skin already shows signs – it becomes red, hotter, more sensitive to touch. If we identify it at this stage, there is time to prevent the lesion from progressing."

The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) lists prevention of pressure injuries as a patient‑safety priority. Recommended measures are regular repositioning of the patient—typically every two hours—use of pressure‑relieving mattresses, and frequent skin inspections. Healthcare professionals often employ the Braden Scale to assess individual risk levels. Families and caregivers play a crucial role, especially in home care settings, by monitoring skin condition and ensuring consistent preventive practices.