Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are painful skin injuries that happen when a person stays in one position for too long. They usually form on areas where the skin covers bony parts of the body, like the hips, heels, lower back, and elbows. People who are bedridden or use wheelchairs for long periods are most at risk.

Getting rid of bedsores quickly requires fast action, proper care, and a complete treatment plan. Let’s look at what you can do to heal bedsores as fast as possible and prevent them from coming back.

What Causes Bedsores?

Bedsores happen when the blood flow to the skin is cut off for too long. Without enough blood, the skin begins to break down. The main causes include:

Constant pressure on the skin from lying or sitting too long
Friction when the skin rubs against sheets or clothing
Shear, which occurs when the skin moves in one direction, but the bone underneath moves in another
Moisture from sweat, urine, or wounds, which weakens the skin

What are the Warning Signs of Bedsores?

Catching a bedsore early can help you treat it before it becomes serious. Watch for these signs:

Red or purple skin that doesn’t go away when touched
Skin that feels warm, firm, or swollen
Pain or tenderness in one spot
An open sore or blister
Skin that looks black, especially in more advanced cases

Treatments for Bedsores

Step 1: Relieve Pressure Immediately

The first and most important step is to remove pressure from the sore area. This allows blood to flow back into the skin and start the healing process.

Change positions every 1 to 2 hours if lying in bed
If in a wheelchair, shift weight every 15 minutes
Use pillows or foam pads to protect sore areas
Try special mattresses or seat cushions made to reduce pressure

Step 2: Keep the Skin Clean and Dry

Bacteria love moisture, so keeping the area clean and dry is essential.

Clean the sore daily with mild soap and water
Pat the skin dry, do not rub
Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide—these can slow healing
Apply a moisture barrier cream to protect from urine or stool if needed

Step 3: Use the Right Wound Dressings

Dressings protect the sore and help it heal faster. The right dressing depends on how deep the sore is.

For early sores (Stage 1), a thin hydrocolloid dressing or protective foam pad may be enough
For open sores, your doctor may recommend:
- Hydrogel dressings to keep the wound moist
- Alginate dressings for wounds with lots of fluid
- Antimicrobial dressings if there’s an infection risk

Dressings should be changed regularly based on your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Step 4: Treat Infections Quickly

If a bedsore gets infected, healing slows down, and serious health problems can follow. Signs of infection include:

Pus or foul-smelling drainage
Increased redness, swelling, or warmth
Fever or chills
Pain that gets worse instead of better

If you suspect an infection, see a doctor right away. You may need oral or topical antibiotics.

Step 5: Support Healing from the Inside

Healing a bedsore also depends on what’s happening inside your body. Good nutrition helps the skin repair itself faster.

Eat more protein, which is essential for tissue repair. Good sources include eggs, beans, fish, and lean meats.
Get enough vitamin C and zinc—both help heal wounds
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated
Consider a nutrition shake if eating regular meals is hard

A dietitian can help plan meals to support recovery.

Step 6: Consider Advanced Treatments

For deep or stubborn bedsores, more intensive treatments may be needed:

Debridement: This is the removal of dead or infected tissue, done with special tools, dressings, or sometimes surgery
Negative-pressure wound therapy (wound vac): A vacuum draws fluid from the wound and helps new tissue grow
Skin grafts or surgery: In very serious cases, doctors may need to close the wound with tissue from another part of the body

These are usually done under a doctor’s care in a clinic or hospital.

How Long Does Healing Take?

Healing time depends on how deep the sore is and how quickly treatment begins.

Stage 1 (red skin only): May heal in a few days with proper care
Stage 2 (shallow open sore): Could take a few weeks
Stage 3–4 (deep tissue damage): May take months or longer

The faster you start care, the better the outcome.

Preventing Bedsores After Healing

Once the sore heals, it’s important to keep it from coming back.

Stick to regular position changes
Keep using supportive cushions or mattresses
Maintain good skin hygiene
Eat a balanced diet
Stay aware of early warning signs