Once a pressure ulcer is identified, steps must be taken immediately:
Relieve the pressure on that area. Use pillows, special foam cushions, and sheepskin to reduce the pressure.
Treat the sore based on the stage of the ulcer. Your health care provider will give you specific treatment and care instructions.
Avoid further trauma or friction. Powder the sheets lightly to decrease friction in bed. (There are many items made specifically for this purpose -- check a medical supplies store.)
Improve nutrition and other underlying problems that may affect the healing process.
If the pressure ulcer is at Stage II or worse, your health care provider will give you specific instructions on how to clean and care for open ulcers. It is very important to do this properly to prevent infection.
Keep the area clean and free of dead tissue. Your health care provider will give you specific care directions. Generally, pressure ulcers are rinsed with a salt-water rinse to remove loose, dead tissue. The sore should be covered with special gauze dressing made for pressure ulcers.
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