–Clean with either saline or tap water and cover with hydrocolloid foam or another non-adherent dressing that promotes a moist environment.
-Don’t clean with povidone/iodine, Dakin’s solution, hydrogen peroxide, wet-to-dry dressings, or any solutions that may impede granulation tissue formation
-Protein supplements help with wound healing. Protein supplementation improves wound healing and also appears to help in prevention as well.
“After cleansing with saline or tap water, application of a moist, nonadhesive bandage is the preferred way to manage a pressure ulcer. A moist wound environment assists in healing and aids in autolytic debridement. Wet-to-dry dressings may impede healing by causing pain and unnecessary debridement when a fully dry dressing is removed. Chlorine-based and povidone-iodine solutions should be avoided because they may impede granulation tissue formation. While it is important to debride necrotic tissue and slough, a dry, intact eschar over the heels without any sign of infection should be left in place as a natural biologic cover.“ABFM
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Dakin’s solution is sodium hypochlorite. It is made from bleach that has been diluted to decrease irritation. Chlorine is the active ingredient in Dakin’s solution. Chlorine is a strong antiseptic that kills most forms of bacteria and viruses.
References
Ann Intern Med. 2015;162:370–379. Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.
http://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/2173506/treatment-pressure-ulcers-clinical-practice-guideline-from-american-college-physicians
Am Fam Physician 2015;92(10):888-894. Common questions about pressure ulcers.