How to Treat the Skin for Pressure Ulcers

A pressure ulcer, also called bedsore or decubitus ulcer, is an area of skin that breaks down from constant pressure on the skin. These ulcers often occur over bones or joints that are close to the skin. For instance, pressure ulcers occur on the heels, hips, shoulders, back and back of the head, according to Medline Plus. You are at risk for a pressure ulcer if you are bedridden, in a wheelchair, are elderly or have a chronic condition such as diabetes or vascular problems that cause poor circulation. Fragile skin and urine or bowel incontinence make the problem worse.

Things You'll Need

• Pillows, sheepskin or bolsters
• Lotion
• Saline solution
• Gauze dressings specifically for pressure ulcers

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Instructions

• 1

  Relieve pressure on the affected area. Change position frequently and use pillows, cushions and sheepskin to relieve pressure. Check your skin, or your patient's skin, for reddened areas that don't return to a normal color when you change position and relieve the pressure. This is the first stage of a pressure ulcer.

• 2

  Keep the skin very clean and apply lotion often. However, don't massage the area because the skin is fragile and massage can damage the tissue.

• 3

  Cleanse the area where an ulcer has developed. If there is a blister or crater in the skin, rinse it gently with saline solution to remove loose dead tissue. Pat the area dry with sterile gauze. Apply a special gauze dressing made for pressure ulcers, which keeps the ulcer moist and the surrounding tissue dry.

• 4

  Improve nutrition to speed the healing process. Eat fruits, vegetables and protein to provide the building blocks for tissue regrowth. Take vitamins and minerals and talk with your doctor about any other nutrients you should take.