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Common Areas Where Pressure Sores Develop

Picture of the common areas where pressure sores develop

Pressure sores are usually caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. They often develop on skin that covers bony areas. Places on the body that are at risk for developing pressure sores include the back of the head and ears, shoulder, elbow, the lower back and buttocks, hip, and heel. The greater trochanter (say "troh-KAN-ter"), which is the side of the upper thigh, and the inner knees are also at risk.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Margaret Doucette, DO - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wound Care, Hyperbaric Medicine
Last Revised February 15, 2011

Last Revised: February 15, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Margaret Doucette, DO - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wound Care, Hyperbaric Medicine

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