Cytokine and Chemokine Release Upon Sustained Mechanical Loading of the Epidermis

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are areas of soft tissue breakdown resulting from sustained mechanical loading of the skin and underlying tissues. These ulcers are painful, difficult to treat, and represent a burden to the community in terms of health care and money. Currently, pressure ulcer risk assessment is dominated by subjective measures and does not predict pressure ulcer development satisfactorily [1]. Objective measures are therefore needed for early, non-invasive detection.