When the skin is broken, protecting it with a gauze covering can help it to heal. For deeper sores, special dressings that contain a gelatin-like material can help new skin grow. If the sore appears infected or oozes, rinsing, washing gently with soap, or using disinfectants such as povidone-iodine can remove the dead and infected material. However, cleansing too harshly slows healing. Chemical agents can be used instead, but they are generally less thorough than a scalpel.
Deep bedsores are difficult to treat.
Sometimes they require transplanting healthy skin to the damaged area. Unfortunately, this type of surgery is not always possible, especially for frail older people who are malnourished. Often when infections develop deep within a sore, antibiotics are given. All rights reserved.