Pressure injuries remain a major concern for care providers in most healthcare settings suggesting the need for continuous efforts by clinicians to accurately conduct risk assessments, provide skin care and mechanical offloading, educate staff and patients, and for researchers to expand the body of knowledge and engage in prevention and management trials.1

Every day, we learn more as to how the novel coronavirus is impacting society with cases on the rise in numerous locations across the country. Our responsibilities, for our own safety and that of others, include: wear a mask, wash hands frequently, social distance, and stay home as much as possible, among others.

As a Registered Nurse, I think about all that is happening in our world today from what it was only months ago. Friends and colleagues have worked tirelessly on the frontlines to fight the pandemic that has changed our society and world in just a short time.

Similar to other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, what you don’t see can hurt you. Unfortunately, just because you can’t see symptoms or indicators, it doesn’t mean damage or harm isn’t being done.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is affecting the whole world.1 As a result, there are many hospitalized patients and increased demands on the healthcare system.

Bed sore, decubitus ulcer, pressure sore, and most recently, pressure injury. These are all common terms that refer to tissue damage that results from pressure.

Spring has sprung and the weather will be getting warmer. As the temperature and humidity rises, we seek cool air in an air-conditioned car or building. Our skin is no different; it prefers a controlled environment. Skin is vital to us. It protects our internal structures from the external environment, keeps essential nutrients locked inside, and hazardous materials locked out1. Maintaining the delicate microclimate, or the moisture and temperature balance, that exists on our skin can be a key factor in preventing a host of issues, including pressure injuries.