Best Treatments for Bed Sores: Pressure Injury Management Guide
What is the best thing to put on bed sores?
The Quick Answer
**Pressure redistribution is primary**—specialized mattresses (air-fluidized, alternating pressure) prevent progression. For existing sores: stage 1–2 use hydrocolloid or foam dressings; stage 3–4 require alginate/hydrogel fillers plus antimicrobial dressings if infected. **Never use donut cushions**—they increase pressure on surrounding tissue. Barrier creams (zinc oxide) protect periwound skin from moisture. Nutrition (protein 1.25–1.5g/kg/day) is equally critical as topical treatments.
Why We Ask This
Caregivers focus exclusively on topical dressings while neglecting the root cause: unrelieved pressure. Without offloading, even the most advanced dressings fail as continuous pressure (>32mmHg for 2+ hours) causes capillary collapse and tissue necrosis regardless of wound care interventions.
The Practical Science
Healing requires eliminating pressure while managing the wound: repositioning every 2 hours for bedbound patients; specialized support surfaces reducing interface pressure below capillary closing pressure (32mmHg); protein-calorie supplementation to support collagen synthesis. Studies show pressure redistribution alone heals 60% of stage 2 ulcers within 4 weeks.
In Clinical Practice
An immobile patient with stage 3 sacral pressure injury receives alternating pressure mattress, alginate filler for cavity, silver hydrofiber for bioburden control, and protein supplementation 1.5g/kg/day—wound shows 50% depth reduction at 3 weeks versus continued deterioration with dressing changes alone without pressure relief.
References & Context
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