Which statement correctly differentiates pressure ulcers from dermatitis in athletes wearing protective equipment?

• A. Pressure ulcers localized skin breakdown over bony areas; dermatitis is itching and redness due to friction/latex exposure
• B. Pressure ulcers are caused by heat
• C. Dermatitis is deep tissue necrosis
• D. They are identical

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing how pressure-related skin injury differs from dermatitis in athletes wearing protective gear. Pressure ulcers arise when sustained pressure over a bony area reduces blood flow, leading to localized skin breakdown. Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction that presents with itching and redness, often from friction with equipment or exposure to latex or adhesives. The correct idea captures both parts: pressure ulcers are localized skin breakdown over bony areas, while dermatitis shows itching and redness due to friction or latex exposure. The other notions misstate the mechanism (pressure ulcers aren’t caused by heat), the presentation (dermatitis isn’t deep tissue necrosis), and the relationship between the two conditions (they are distinct, not identical).