What it is
A pressure ulcer, also called a pressure injury or bed sore, is damage to skin and the tissue beneath it caused by sustained pressure, friction or shearing. The tailbone area, called the sacrum or coccyx, is one of the most common places because bone sits close to the skin there.
When pressure limits blood flow to the area, the tissue can be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Early on, skin may look red or discolored and feel different from the skin around it. In more advanced cases the damage can open into a wound and may reach deeper layers.
People who have limited mobility, spend long hours in a bed or wheelchair, have reduced sensation, or have fragile skin or other health conditions may be more at risk. Moisture and poor nutrition are also commonly discussed contributing factors. A licensed clinician is the right person to determine the cause and stage of any wound.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, care for pressure injuries has centered on relieving pressure on the affected area. This often involves repositioning, specialized mattresses or cushions, and other support surfaces chosen by a care team.
Clinicians have also commonly focused on keeping the wound clean, choosing dressings suited to the wound, managing moisture, and looking at overall health factors such as nutrition and hydration. Some wounds contain tissue that a clinician may need to remove, which is done in a clinical setting.
For certain wounds, specialists may consider additional options such as negative pressure wound therapy, which is well established, or skin substitutes and other advanced products. Which approach is appropriate is decided by a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
How the right wound care specialist may help
The right wound care specialist may help by examining the wound, looking for what is causing it, and describing its stage and depth. A visit generally includes a discussion of your health history, mobility, daily routines, and any pain or changes you have noticed.
The specialist may also assess the surrounding skin, look for signs of infection, and talk with you and any caregivers about ways to reduce pressure. They may coordinate with other professionals, such as primary care clinicians, nutrition professionals or physical and occupational therapists.
Questions worth asking a licensed provider include: What caused this wound and what stage is it? What are my treatment options? How long might healing take? What signs mean I should call you right away? What will insurance cover? Ask about the regulatory status of any product or therapy suggested, since this varies.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Long periods of illness, limited mobility or pain can be tiring and emotionally heavy, and stress can in turn affect sleep, appetite and energy, all of which are part of overall well-being during recovery.
Some people find extra support helpful while managing a long-term wound. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for stress and tension, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These are complements to, not replacements for, professional wound care.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Seek medical care promptly for any sign of infection: spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or a wound that is quickly getting worse.
- Call 911 or go to the ER for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, signs of sepsis such as confusion or a rapid heartbeat with fever, or a deep or severely contaminated wound.
- Only a licensed clinician can diagnose a wound and decide what care is appropriate; this page cannot tell you what to do for your specific wound.
- If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988. For more reading on amniotic products specifically, see amnioticdoctors.com, which is not affiliated with WoundKare.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a pressure ulcer on the tailbone?
A pressure ulcer on the tailbone is damage to the skin and underlying tissue over the base of the spine, caused by ongoing pressure, friction or shearing. It can range from discolored but intact skin to a deeper open wound. A licensed clinician can determine its stage and cause.
What does a pressure ulcer on the tailbone look like?
It can start as red or discolored skin that may feel warm, firm, soft or painful compared with nearby skin. Later it may appear as a blister, an open sore or a deeper crater. Because appearance varies, have any suspicious area evaluated by a licensed provider.
Why do pressure ulcers form on the tailbone?
The tailbone has little padding between bone and skin, so sitting or lying in one position can reduce blood flow there. Friction, moisture, reduced sensation and overall health factors may also contribute. A provider can help identify what is involved in a particular case.
When should I see a doctor about a pressure ulcer on my tailbone?
Seek medical care promptly if you notice spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or if the wound is rapidly worsening. Having any open or non-healing area evaluated is also reasonable. For heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, or signs of sepsis, call 911 or go to the ER.
How do wound care specialists treat a tailbone pressure ulcer?
Specialists commonly evaluate the wound, address pressure relief, choose dressings, manage moisture and consider overall health factors. In some cases they may discuss options such as negative pressure wound therapy or other advanced products. The specific approach is decided by a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
How long does a pressure ulcer on the tailbone take to heal?
Healing time varies widely depending on the wound's depth, cause, and the person's overall health, and no timeline can be promised. Ask a licensed provider about your expected healing time, treatment options and insurance coverage after they have examined the wound.
Educational resource. WoundKare shares general information and connects people with independent wound care specialists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.