Prevention also consists of protection and padding to prevent tissue abrasion, and maintaining hydration, nutrition and hygiene. There are many procedures and products available for this purpose. The use of antibiotics, when appropriate is also part of the treatment. Some deep wounds even require surgical removal or debridement of necrotic tissue. In some situations amputation may be necessary.
Frequent turning is mandatory to alleviate pressure on the wound and to promote healing.
Along with cleaning, removal of dead tissue, and alleviating pressure, the individual must have increased nutrition to allow for proper healing of the wounds. Without all of these elements being in place, the wounds will not heal and, in fact, will quickly worsen. The basic treatment of decubitus ulcers is prevention. Prevention cannot be stressed too strongly. To this end, there are any number of devices designed to protect and prevent the formation of decubitus ulcers.