Pressure Ulcers, Bedsores, & Pressure Injury Treatment
Pressure ulcers—like a pressure sore, bedsore, or pressure injury—develops when pressure on the skin and underlying tissue limits blood flow.
These wounds often form over bony areas such as the heels, hips, tailbone, ankles, or elbows, especially when someone may be immobile or limited movement or difficulty changing position.
If you or someone you care for has a pressure ulcer, arrange a professional evaluation. Early assessment can help identify the wound’s depth and contributing factors and guide appropriate care.
Common pressure ulcer forms
Clinicians describe pressure injuries by their appearance and depth. A wound specialist can assess the injury; you do not need to identify its stage before making an appointment.
Stage 1: Skin remains intact, but a localized area may have persistent redness or a change in color, temperature, or firmness.
Stage 2: There is partial skin loss, which may look like a shallow open sore or blister.
Stage 3: The wound extends through the full thickness of the skin, and deeper tissue may be visible.
Stage 4: The wound is deeper and may expose or affect structures such as muscle, tendon, or bone.
Unstageable pressure injury: The wound’s depth cannot be determined because tissue covering the wound obscures it.
Deep tissue pressure injury: A persistent dark red, maroon, or purple area, sometimes with a blood-filled blister, may signal damage beneath the skin.
Pressure injuries can look different on different skin tones, and deeper tissue damage may not be obvious from the surface. A clinician should assess a suspected pressure injury.
Why professional pressure ulcer care matters
A pressure ulcer may deepen or become infected if the pressure that caused it continues or the wound is not properly managed. Some advanced wounds take a long time to heal and may require more involved treatment. A specialist can evaluate the wound and surrounding skin, identify factors that may be slowing healing, and recommend care suited to the individual wound.
Depending on the wound, professional care may include pressure relief, wound cleaning and dressings, removal of unhealthy tissue when appropriate, monitoring or treatment for infection, and coordination around underlying health conditions.
What you can do at home while arranging care
Home steps can help protect the area, but they do not replace an evaluation. Contact the San Gorgonio Wound Care Center promptly if you notice a new sore, blister, or persistent skin change.
Reduce pressure on the area. Change position as safely as possible and ask a healthcare professional what cushions, support surfaces, or repositioning schedule may be right for you.
Keep the area clean and protected. Follow the wound-care instructions you have been given. Ask a clinician which dressing or cleanser to use.
Check the skin daily. Ask someone to help check areas you cannot see.
Avoid rubbing or massaging the sore. Do not use a donut-shaped cushion unless a healthcare professional specifically directs you; these can worsen pressure on surrounding tissue.
Support general health. Follow guidance from your care team about nutrition, fluids, and managing health conditions that may affect healing.
When to seek prompt medical attention
Contact the San Gorgonio Wound Care Center right away if the sore is open, changing, or worsening. Signs that may indicate infection include pus or foul odor, redness or tenderness around the wound, warmth or swelling nearby, or fever.
Schedule a pressure ulcer evaluation
The team at San Gorgonio Wound Care Center evaluates non-healing wounds and considers factors such as pressure, infection, circulation, and other health conditions when developing a care plan.
Note: This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice or emergency care.
Our mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate, and patient-centered care. We are dedicated to healing, improving quality of life, limb preservation, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for our patients. We value cross-specialty alignment to ensure the best outcomes.
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Dr. Shanna NewboldOur team is led by Dr. Shanna Newbold who is a board-certified emergency physician with more than 10 years of specialized wound care experience. She is one of very few providers certified by The American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery. Our group also consists of experienced mid level providers, wound techs and an Infectious Disease consultant. We have a passion for healing and wholeness.