(Decubitus Ulcers)
Ulcer of the skin and/or subcutaneous tissue caused by ischaemia secondary to extrinsic pressure or shear
Management
Non-drug treatment
- Debridement of necrotic tissue
- Clean with normal saline
- If able, encourage patients to raise themselves off the seat and shift their weight every 15-20
minutes or to take short walks - Repositioning of those who cannot move themselves frequently, determined by need and
skin status - Inspect skin every time the patient’s position is changed
- Maintain optimal hydration and hygiene of skin
- Avoid trauma, by not dragging patient
- Good nutrition for those with good prognosis to maintain normal serum albumin
- Educate patient caretakers on risk factors for developing pressure ulcers, how to inspect and
care for skin, and inform health care professional - May need skin grafting and flaps; refer to hospital
Medicines
- Give antibiotics if there is evidence of surrounding cellulitis
- Control pain
- Control odour with topical metronidazole powder or gel until there is no foul smell
- If patient has sepsis, give parenteral antibiotics