Pressure Ulcer (Pressure Sore)

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First Aid

Once a pressure ulcer is identified, certain basic steps must be taken immediately. These include:

• Relieving the pressure to that area. Use pillows, special foam cushions, and sheepskin to help reduce the pressure.
• Treating the sore. Treatment will be based on the stage of the ulcer. Your health care provider will give you specific treatment and care instructions.
• Avoiding further trauma or friction. Powdering the sheets lightly can help decrease friction in bed. (There are many items made specifically for this purpose -- check a medical supplies store.)
• Focusing on improving 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, as 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 that removes the loose, dead tissue. The sore should be covered with special gauze dressing made for pressure ulcers.