Pressure Ulcer

A pressure ulcer is one of the most common wounds, affecting 1-3 million Americans annually. Anyone can develop a pressure ulcer, but they commonly affect bedbound individuals and wheelchair users. At Restore Wound Healing in Rockwall, Texas, wound care specialist Lince Varughese, MD, and his team provide high-quality care for pressure ulcers nonly in Rockwall but also in surrounding areas. They can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery. Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule pressure ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is a pressure ulcer?

A pressure ulcer, or bedsore, is an open skin wound that forms because of excess pressure on a specific area. These ulcers can form anywhere but commonly occur on skin that covers bony areas, such as the lower back, ankles, and hips.

Pressure ulcers commonly affect people with medical conditions that affect mobility. Lying or sitting in one position for hours, even days, can irritate the skin and increase the risk of an open wound.

What are the symptoms of a pressure ulcer?

Pressure ulcer symptoms include:

• Changes in skin color and texture
• Swelling
• Oozing pus
• Skin that feels cooler or warmer to the touch than other areas
• Sore areas

Pressure ulcers vary in size and severity. Mild pressure ulcers often heal at home, but severe ulcers typically require professional wound care.

When should I see a doctor about a pressure ulcer?

Make an appointment at Restore Wound Healing if you have a pressure ulcer that doesn’t improve within 24-48 hours of changing position. That’s especially true if you have signs of infection.

How is a pressure ulcer diagnosed?

Dr. Varughese reviews your medical records and asks about your ulcer, including when it appeared, how painful it is, and if you’ve had bedsores. 

Next, he examines the wound, assessing its size, location, and appearance. Dr. Varughese also assigns a wound stage. A wound stage describes your pressure ulcer’s severity and helps guide treatment.

How is a pressure ulcer treated?

Dr. Varughese takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to pressure ulcer treatment at Restore Wound Healing. He might suggest:

• Changing your position frequently to prevent sore formation
• Durable medical equipment, like a special mattress or cushions to protect your skin
• Cleaning ulcers with Vashe® to eliminate germs and bacteria
• Vaporox therapy to accelerate wound closure and promote healing
• Juven® a therapeutic collagen powder that speeds wound healing
• Theraworx® a line of topical skin products that dress and protect chronic wounds
• Wound debridement to remove dead tissue and debris

Most pressure ulcers improve with several treatments and healthy lifestyle changes. However, Dr. Varughese might recommend skin flap surgery if you have a large wound that doesn’t heal. During skin flap surgery, he removes healthy skin from another part of your body and stitches it over the pressure ulcer.

Call Restore Wound Healing today to schedule a pressure ulcer consultation, or book your appointment online.