Pressure ulcers: prevention and management.

Pressure ulcers are a significant medical problem that greatly affects the geriatric population. We reviewed pertinent published data in the literature concerning the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. The development of pressure ulcers is associated with well known risk factors including unrelieved pressure, skin maceration, shear forces, malnutrition and immobility. Risk factor modification is an important aspect in prevention and treatment. When a pressure ulcer develops, various specialized support surfaces and wound care products exist to accelerate wound healing. Alternative therapeutic modalities such as ultrasonic mist and wound vacuum therapy are increasingly being used with success for such ulcers. Pressure ulcers are typically the consequence of underlying medical conditions that should be treated appropriately in order for the wound to heal.