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Pressure Ulcers — Mobile Wound Care

Mobile pressure wound care and pressure ulcer treatment begin with accurate staging, pressure redistribution, moisture management, infection evaluation, and an individualized treatment plan.

What are pressure ulcers?

A pressure injury (also called a pressure ulcer, pressure sore, bedsore, or decubitus ulcer) is localized damage to the skin and underlying soft tissue, usually over a bony prominence, resulting from prolonged pressure or pressure combined with shear. Common sites include the sacrum, coccyx, ischial tuberosities, heels, and greater trochanters. Pressure injuries are staged 1 through 4 based on visible tissue damage, with additional categories for Unstageable injuries and Deep Tissue Pressure Injury (DTPI).

Also known as: Pressure injury, Pressure sore, Pressure wound, Bedsore, Decubitus ulcer, Sacral ulcer, Stage 3 pressure injury, Stage 4 pressure injury, DTPI.

  • L89.150 — Pressure ulcer of sacral region, unstageable
  • L89.153 — Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 3
  • L89.154 — Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 4
  • L89.6 — Pressure ulcer of heel
  • L89.2 — Pressure ulcer of hip

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms can vary by wound type and severity.

  • Unblanchable erythema (redness that doesn't turn white when pressed) in Stage 1.
  • Partial-thickness skin loss involving epidermis or dermis in Stage 2.
  • Full-thickness skin loss visible fat in Stage 3.
  • Exposed bone, tendon, or muscle in Stage 4.
  • Deep tissue injury (DTI) presenting as persistent non-blanchable deep red, maroon, or purple discoloration.

Risk factors

A clinician evaluates the wound together with the factors that may delay healing.

  • Prolonged immobility or bed rest.
  • Incontinence leading to excessive skin moisture.
  • Poor nutrition and inadequate hydration.
  • Loss of sensory perception (e.g., spinal cord injury).
  • Friction and shear forces during movement.

When to seek care

Seek immediate care if the skin breaks open, if there is a foul odor, excessive drainage, or if the surrounding skin becomes increasingly warm and red, indicating potential infection.

How Healix360 coordinates treatment

Healix360 coordinates mobile pressure wound care and pressure ulcer treatment throughout our coverage area. Licensed physicians and nurse practitioners evaluate chronic and complex pressure injuries in private residences, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities.

Clinicians stage pressure injuries using current NPIAP definitions and build an individualized plan that may include pressure redistribution, moisture and drainage management, debridement, infection evaluation, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), or advanced cellular therapies when medically appropriate.

  • negative-pressure-wound-therapy
  • enzymatic-debridement
  • foam-dressings
  • infection-management
  • wound-bed-preparation

Prevention and expected outcomes

Consistent, specialized care combined with strict offloading protocols can successfully close even advanced stage pressure ulcers, preventing serious complications like osteomyelitis or sepsis.

  • Frequent repositioning (at least every 2 hours for bedbound individuals).
  • Use of pressure-relieving mattresses and seating cushions.
  • Maintaining skin hygiene and managing moisture from incontinence.
  • Optimizing protein and caloric intake to support tissue integrity.
  • Minimizing friction by lifting rather than dragging during transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a pressure ulcer 'unstageable'?

An unstageable pressure injury is one where the base of the wound is covered by slough (yellow, tan, green, or brown) or eschar (tan, brown, or black), making it impossible to determine the true depth until the slough or eschar is removed.

Can Stage 4 pressure ulcers heal without surgery?

Yes, with aggressive debridement, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), advanced biologics, and strict pressure offloading, many Stage 4 ulcers can achieve closure without surgical intervention.

How often will a clinician visit?

Visit frequency depends on the severity of the wound and the chosen treatment plan, but typically ranges from once to multiple times per week. Care is coordinated and provided directly to patients in their residence.

Is a Deep Tissue Injury (DTI) considered a pressure ulcer?

Yes, DTI is a specific type of pressure injury caused by damage to underlying soft tissue from pressure and shear, often presenting as an intact, discolored area of skin.

Do you provide pressure-relieving equipment?

While our primary focus is advanced clinical wound care, our clinicians coordinate with durable medical equipment (DME) providers to ensure patients receive necessary pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions.

Medical references

Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.