MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Progression of a decubitis ulcer

Medical Encyclopedia

Progression of a decubitis ulcer

If untreated, a pressure sore can progress from a small irritated but unbroken skin patch to a potentially life-threatening wound involving extensive tissue death and infection. Treatment of the serious decubitus ulcer may include drying out the wound, debriding (excising) the dead tissue, and administering systemic antibiotics.

Update Date: 7/11/2008

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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