Progression of a decubitis ulcer

If untreated, a pressure sore can progress from a small irritated but unbroken skin patch to a potentially life-threatening wound involving extensive tissue death and infection. Treatment of the serious decubitus ulcer may include debriding (excising) the dead tissue and administering systemic antibiotics.

Review Date: 11/22/2010
Reviewed By: Richard J. Moskowitz, MD, Private Practice, Mineola, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

---

---