Free Advice: Pressure Ulcers

Bed Sores, Decubitus Ulcers, Diabetic Pressure Sores

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Diabetic Ulcers

Venous Ulcers

Pressure Ulcers

Wound Care Suggestions

Note: Ulcer care should always be done in conjunction with your physician. Use products only as directed on the package insert.

Pressure ulcers arise when pressure inhibits blood flow to the skin in a particular area. This loss of blood flow is called ischemia. This pressure is usually over a bony prominence like the side of the foot, an ankle or bottom. The skin first usually becomes discolored, red, blue or black. It has been demonstrated that the capillary pressure on the arterial side is 30-32 mmhg and 12 mmhg on the venous side. Sustained pressures above these may result in circulatory compromise, tissue necrosis and a pressure ulcer.

Standard Care for Chronic Skin and Pressure Ulcers

• Always wash hands before and after treating ulcers.
  
• Gently wash the ulcers with soap and water or normal saline. Agents used for cleansing should be nontoxic
• Removal of necrotic or infected tissue may be necessary. This is called debridement and when performed should be done by a physician or health care professional. Enzymatic debriders can be used to help remove minor amounts of necrotic tissue.
• Off-loading or relief of pressure can help ulcers. Special fitting shoes, casting of the ulcerated foot and frequent turning of a bedridden patient can prevent bedsores, decubitus or other pressure induced ulcers.
• Maintaining a moist wound environment is standard care of all chronic skin ulcers.
• Compression therapy for venous stasis ulcers with an Unna Boots or other compression bandage can be helpful.
• Infection control maybe controlled with topical antibiotics such as Polysporin or systemic anti microbial therapy.
• Nutritional support, including blood glucose control for diabetic ulcer patients and adequate caloric intake is important.
• Dermavite contains all vitamins necessary for healing to occur.

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