The Hidden Danger in Your Bathroom: How Prolonged Toilet Sitting Could Lead to Serious Injury

The Hidden Danger in Your Bathroom: How Prolonged Toilet Sitting Could Lead to Serious Injury

When we think about potential health hazards in our daily lives, the humble toilet seat likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, new research suggests that prolonged sitting on toilet seats, especially for vulnerable individuals in nursing homes or hospitals, poses a risk for deep tissue injuries.

A study by Maayan Lustig, Ayelet Levy, Kara Kopplin, Zehava Ovadia-Blechman, and Amit Gefen sheds light on this little-known risk. Their findings emphasize the importance of addressing the pressure placed on the body’s soft tissues during extended periods of toilet sitting.

The Risks of Pressure Injuries on the Toilet

Pressure injuries, often referred to as bedsores, can cause severe pain, limit mobility, and, in extreme cases, become life-threatening. While these injuries are commonly associated with prolonged bed rest, the study reveals that sitting for long periods on hard toilet seats can also lead to the development of pressure injuries.

In nursing homes and senior facilities, it is not uncommon for patients to be left sitting on the toilet for extended periods without assistance. This increases the risk of deep tissue injuries, as the body’s weight remains concentrated on a small area, particularly the buttocks.

The study utilized advanced biomechanical modelling and measured the oxygen levels in the skin to analyze how toilet sitting affects tissue health. The results showed that sitting on a toilet seat for an extended period reduced oxygen supply to the skin by nearly 50%, raising the risk of tissue breakdown.

Design Matters: How to Reduce the Risk

One of the study’s key findings is the importance of toilet seat design. Standard hard toilet seats significantly increase the risk of pressure injuries. However, specialized cushions designed for toilet seats can reduce the pressure by up to 88%. This means that patients who need to sit longer could be protected from injury simply by using these cushions.

A Holistic Approach to Care

The researchers stress that preventing pressure injuries in vulnerable patients requires a holistic approach. While investing in expensive pressure injury prevention devices is common, these measures may not be effective if patients spend significant time on bare, hard toilet seats. Better-designed toilet seats, specialized cushions, and attentive caregiving are necessary to ensure patient safety.

Takeaway: Prevention is Key

Healthcare facilities, caregivers, and even individuals at home should recognise the potential risks of prolonged toilet sitting. Pressure injuries are preventable with the right care and attention, and this study highlights the simple but crucial changes that can make a difference.

Next time you sit down, consider the hidden risks of long periods on the toilet and take action to protect yourself and those in your care.

Source:

Lustig M, Levy A, Kopplin K, Ovadia-Blechman Z, Gefen A. Beware of the toilet: The risk for a deep tissue injury during toilet sitting. J Tissue Viability. 2018 Feb;27(1):23-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2017.04.005. Epub 2017 Apr 23. PMID: 28446371.