Pressure Ulcer (Bedsore) Treatment
Specialist treatment of pressure injuries in patients with limited mobility, from the first non-blanching redness to deep wounds — with a prevention plan.
About this treatment
A pressure ulcer is caused by sustained pressure on one part of the body, usually where bone sits close to the skin: the sacrum and buttocks, heels, ankles, elbows and shoulders. The cause is not something a dressing resolves — until the pressure is removed, even the best dressing only covers the surface. Treatment at Dialine therefore always runs on two parallel tracks: caring for the wound, and removing the cause that created it.
Assessment begins with the stage and depth of the wound: how far it has progressed, what tissue is visible in the wound bed, how much exudate there is, and whether there are signs of infection. Alongside it, the underlying factors that determine whether the wound will heal at all: nutrition and protein intake, incontinence and skin moisture, immobility, anaemia and comorbidities such as diabetes.
The plan follows from that: a repositioning schedule, an appropriate mattress and cushion to redistribute pressure, debridement of non-viable tissue, a dressing matched to the exudate and depth of the wound, and infection control — with a wound culture where indicated. Caring for the intact skin around the wound, particularly in patients with incontinence, is a serious part of the treatment and not a footnote.
The most important part, though, happens outside the treatment room. Pressure ulcers are a family's illness: the person who repositions the patient every few hours, checks the skin and takes the first redness seriously has effectively prevented the next wound. Teaching that — and teaching which points must be inspected daily — is part of every plan. For patients who cannot easily travel, this care is also available as a home visit.
Your treatment path at Dialine
- 1Assessment and staging of the pressure injury
- 2A repositioning schedule and a suitable mattress and cushion
- 3Debridement of non-viable tissue
- 4Advanced dressings matched to exudate and wound depth
- 5Infection control, with a wound culture where indicated
- 6Review of nutrition and protein intake
- 7Skin care for incontinence and persistent moisture
Frequently asked questions
Where does a pressure ulcer start?
Usually as redness over a point where bone sits close to the skin — the sacrum, heel, ankle, elbow. The warning sign is that the redness does not turn white under finger pressure. That stage is the best moment to act: take the pressure off that point and inspect the skin daily.
How often should the patient be repositioned?
The schedule is set individually and depends on mobility, skin condition and the patient's level of risk; for bed-bound patients short intervals are generally advised, with the skin checked after each change. The care team will give you the exact plan for your patient's circumstances.
Is an alternating-pressure mattress enough on its own?
No. A suitable mattress and cushion redistribute pressure better and are an important part of the plan, but they do not replace repositioning, skin care and adequate nutrition. A pressure ulcer is not treated with one device; it is treated with a plan.
What part does nutrition play in healing a pressure ulcer?
A direct one. Healing requires enough protein, energy and fluid, and undernutrition is a common reason healing stalls in bed-bound patients. Nutritional status is part of the assessment, and correcting it becomes part of the plan where needed.
Can a pressure ulcer be treated at home?
In many cases yes, given regular care and periodic assessment. Deep wounds, wounds with signs of infection and wounds that are not improving despite care need specialist assessment. For patients who cannot easily travel, home visits are available.
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