Pressure ulcers are wounds that develop when there is prolonged pressure between the skin and a bone.
Prolonged pressure may lead to:
- Redness that does not fade
- Formation of blisters
- Formation of wounds
- Yellow to black hardened areas
Causes of pressure ulcers include:
- Lack of mobility
- Lack of bowel or bladder control
- Poor nutrition
- Loss of sensation
- Moving improperly
The Wound Healing Center offers:
- Trained healthcare professionals to care for your wound
- Complete wound evaluation
- Diagnostic testing
- A customized treatment plan for your care
- Education on the treatment of the wound
- Education to help prevent new wounds
During your first visit to the Wound Healing Center you can expect:
- To complete a medical history and physical
- Examination of the wound
- Possible removal of dead tissue
- Education on how to care for your wound at home
- Further testing, as needed
Follow up visits may include:
- Re-examination of your wound
- Review of test results
- Removal of dead tissue
- Continuing education
Call the Wound Healing Center if you experience any of the following:
- Increased pain at the wound site
- Redness or swelling around the wound or spreading away from the wound
- A foul odor coming from the wound
- Changes in color or amount of drainage from the wound
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
How Can You Help?
- Change positions frequently: every 2 hours when in bed and every 30 minutes when sitting
- Do not raise the head of your bed higher than 30 degrees.
- Follow the diet/nutritional plan that your doctor has prescribed for you.
- Keep your skin dry; avoid excessive moisture.
- Avoid using plastic-backed linen saving devices or diapers.
How should you care for your skin?
- Wash with mild soap and water.
- Apply moisturizers to prevent dryness.
- Keep genital area clean and dry.
- Clean immediately after an incontinent episode.
- Apply barrier cream/ointment to prevent skin breakdown.
- Do not put anything into an open wound that is not prescribed by your physician.
>> Click here for the Pressure Ulcers brochure.