Psychological factors in the causation of pressure sores: case reports.

A high incidence of re-admissions to a spinal injuries unit by a small number of patients suffering from multiple pressure sores is described. The study shows an increased association of skin fragility and poor healing with an altered psychological behaviour. This combination of vulnerability to recurrent pressure sores in association with the pathological intellectual debility is described as 'ectodermic syndrome'. This restricts the eventual rehabilitative outcome.