Regular self-monitoring and appointments with a physician play important roles in preventing pressure ulcers from becoming worse. Visual inspection is crucial for detecting pressure ulcers in time to prevent complications.

Pressure ulcers are typically diagnosed by physicians during physical examination of the patient. The severity is determined by examining the site and assessing the depth of the ulceration. Blood tests, x-rays and often more sophisticated imaging techniques (like CT scan or MRI) may also be necessary to determine if the ulcer is infected or involves underlying soft tissue or bone. 

Pressure ulcers can cause serious or even fatal complications. If not treated or relieved in time, irreversible skin damage can occur in less than 12 hours. Treatment of pressure ulcers varies with the type and severity of the sore. Common treatment of pressure ulcers includes:

• Relief of pressure.  Removing or at least decreasing pressure from the ulcer is considered the most important aspect of pressure ulcer treatment and is very important in keeping ulcers from getting bigger. Most pressure ulcers in the early stages heal on their own once pressure is relieved. This can be simply accomplished by frequent repositioning so that the body’s weight is dispersed off the injured area. Physicians may also recommend special equipment such as pillows, foam cushions or padding, sheepskin, special mattresses or mattress covers. 
  
  
• Debridement (removal of dead tissue). It is important to keep pressure ulcers clean and free from dead tissue. This is typically accomplished with debridement by scalpel, saline (salt water) rinses, chemicals, or whirlpool treatments.
  
  
• Proper dressing. Dressings range from ordinary bandages to antibiotic (combat bacteria) and antiviral (combat viruses) coverings. Particularly useful forms of dressings for pressure ulcers include:
  
  
• • Transparent adhesive dressings. These allow the air to reach the pressure ulcer and prevent it from increasing in size as well as reducing the risk of infection. However, because they are not absorbent, they are not typically recommended for pressure ulcers that have significant discharge.
    
    
  • Hydrocolloid dressing. A bandage with particles that interact with the pressure ulcer to form a gel. These dressings absorb some of the drainage from pressure ulcers, keep the affected areas moist and have properties that enhance healing and protect against infection.
    
    
  • Gel dressings. Available in sheet form or as granules or liquid gel. As long as gel dressings are not allowed to dehydrate, they keep the affected area moist to encourage healing. Some forms absorb moderate amounts of discharge, and can provide insulation or protection against infection.
    
    
  • Calcium alginate dressings. Derived from brown seaweed, these dressings are highly absorbent and easy to use. They are extremely effective in treating pressure ulcers with large amounts of discharge and infection.
    
    
• Antibiotics. Infections must be controlled at the early stage to prevent worsening of the condition and spreading in the body. If the infection is present only in the ulcer, topical (applied to the skin) antibiotics are typically sufficient. However, if the infection has spread, oral or intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
  
  
• Skin substitutes. A dissolvable mesh containing a product made from the human cells that make connective tissue is placed on the sore. The skin substitute is absorbed, replaces the damaged area and closes the lesion.
  
  
• Topical human growth factor. Gel containing a genetically engineered platelet-derived growth factor is applied to the pressure ulcer. The gel attracts and fosters the spread of the cells that repair sores and create tissue.
  
  
• Diet. When the body is healing damaged tissue, it expends more energy and increased calories are required. In particular, meals high in protein are essential for repair.  A diet that also includes adequate fluids and foods rich in vitamins and other nutrients can speed repair of damaged tissues.
  
  
• Exercise. Walking, building muscle strength and physical therapy can help resolve pressure ulcers.
  
  
• Skin grafting or tissue flaps. Tissue transplants may be necessary in severe cases. Depending on the depth of the pressure ulcer, skin alone or a flap of muscle, skin and other tissue may be used to cover the sore.
  
  
• Vascular surgery. Surgery on the blood vessels to improve circulation to the legs might be necessary if blockage is severe and unresolved by noninvasive procedures.

A pressure ulcer will begin to decrease in size and become less moist as it begins to heal. Over time, healthy replacement tissue (called granulation tissue) develops at the base of the sore that is pink-to-light red in color and often has a cobble-stone appearance. 

Depending on the severity of the sore, a pressure ulcer can take anywhere from a few days to an entire year before it is completely healed. In some people, particularly those with certain underlying chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes), a pressure ulcer may never heal completely.