Treatment

Treating pressure ulcers involves reducing pressure on the affected skin, caring for wounds, controlling pain, preventing infection and maintaining good nutrition.

Treatment team

Members of your care team might include:

• A primary care physician who oversees the treatment plan
• A physician or nurse specializing in wound care
• Nurses or medical assistants who provide both care and education for managing wounds
• A social worker who helps you or your family access resources and who addresses emotional concerns related to long-term recovery
• A physical therapist who helps with improving mobility
• An occupational therapist who helps to ensure appropriate seating surfaces
• A dietitian who monitors your nutritional needs and recommends a good diet
• A doctor who specializes in conditions of the skin (dermatologist)
• A neurosurgeon, vascular surgeon, orthopedic surgeon or plastic surgeon

Reducing pressure

The first step in treating a bedsore is reducing the pressure and friction that caused it. Strategies include:

• Repositioning. If you have a bedsore, turn and change your position often. How often you reposition depends on your condition and the quality of the surface you are on.
• Using support surfaces. Use a mattress, bed and special cushions that help you sit or lie in a way that protects vulnerable skin.

Cleaning and dressing wounds

Care for pressure ulcers depends on how deep the wound is. Generally, cleaning and dressing a wound includes the following:

• Cleaning. If the affected skin isn't broken, wash it with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Clean open sores with water or a saltwater (saline) solution each time the dressing is changed.
• Putting on a bandage. A bandage speeds healing by keeping the wound moist. It also creates a barrier against infection and keeps skin around it dry. Bandage choices include films, gauzes, gels, foams and treated coverings. You might need a combination of dressings.

Removing damaged tissue

To heal properly, wounds need to be free of damaged, dead or infected tissue. The doctor or nurse may remove damaged tissue (debride) by gently flushing the wound with water or cutting out damaged tissue.

Other interventions

Other interventions include:

• Drugs to control pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — might reduce pain. These can be very helpful before or after repositioning and wound care. Topical pain medications also can be helpful during wound care.
• A healthy diet. Good nutrition promotes wound healing.

Surgery

A large bedsore that fails to heal might require surgery. One method of surgical repair is to use a pad of your muscle, skin or other tissue to cover the wound and cushion the affected bone (flap surgery).