Decubitus ulcers: treatment through five therapeutic principles.

Without relief of localized pressure, no healing is possible, and all other therapeutic measures are futile. If other factors are mistakenly blamed (incontinence, perspiration, malnutrition) attention may be diverted from the essential--relief of localized pressure and maintenance of patient mobility. Dressings should protect healing ulcers from mechanical damage and external bacterial recontamination after removal of pathogens by local disinfection. Dressings should be kept moist with Ringer's solution to create conditions that promote new granulation.