Techniques for Wound Healing with a Focus on Pressure Ulcers Elimination

Abstract

Pressure ulcers, also called decubitus ulcers, are a common challenge of humanity. They are wounds initiated by pressure on the skin that blocks circulation causing the skin and underlying tissues to die. Without care, pressure ulcers continue to grow in diameter and depth and are exceptionally difficult to heal. They have probably always existed, and are present on Egyptian mummies. Pressure ulcers are a serious health issue, very painful, a significant physiological challenge, can shorten the life of a patient, are an emotional and financial burden to the patient, those who deal with them, and in the United States alone annually costs in excess over $10 billion dollars for care and prolonged hospitalization. Pressure ulcers can develop with as little as two hours of pressure, and because even a brief lapse in avoidance of pressure leads to ulcers, they are frequently impossible to prevent, even for the most conscientious patient with an extensive support group and unlimited financial resources. Therefore, enormous effort is required to find effective and reliable techniques for preventing the initiation of ulcers and eliminating them once they develop. This review looks at the various approaches presently used and in development for the treatment of pressure ulcers, evaluates which may be best in eliminating ulcers, and discusses combinations of techniques that may be most effective in eliminating pressure ulcers.