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How to Treat a Wound at Home: A Simple Guide to Healing Faster and Preventing Infection 

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Mother and child with wounded knee

You got hurt. Or someone you love did. Maybe it just happened — a slip of the knife, a stumble on the pavement, a burn from something hot in the kitchen. Maybe it’s been a few days and the wound is looking angrier than it should, weeping when it should be closing, or just not healing the way you expected. Maybe it’s a sore that keeps coming back in the same spot, or a pressure wound from lying in bed in one position too long that’s getting worse instead of better. 

Whatever brought you here, you want the same thing: to treat it right, stop it from getting infected, help it heal as quickly and cleanly as possible, and perhaps even walk away without a scar. Depending on the wound, it may be something that can be supported at home — with the right approach and the right products. Whatever the case may be, we hope that you, or your loved one, gets well soon. 

What this guide covers 

  • How to clean a wound and keep it protected 
  • What to put on it — and what to keep away from it 
  • Whether to cover it or leave it to breathe 
  • How the healing process works, in plain language 
  • Wounds from metal or rusty objects — what to know 
  • How to lower the risk of infection and scarring 
  • Natural wound care products formulated to help 

If you have any concerns about a wound, always check in with a healthcare provider — they’re the best person to ask.

How Do You Treat a Wound at Home?

To treat a wound at home, stop any bleeding, gently clean the area with water, apply a protective wound care ointment, and cover it with a clean bandage. Keep the wound clean, monitor for signs of infection, and change dressings regularly until healing occurs.

How a wound heals — in plain and simple terms

closeup of wound healing

Here’s something reassuring: the moment your skin gets hurt, your body immediately starts working to fix it.1 You don’t have to do anything for that to begin. But understanding what’s happening under the surface can help you make choices that support the process instead of getting in its way.

Step 1: The bleeding slows down 

Right away, your body sends signals to slow the bleeding. Tiny cells rush to the wound and start forming a clot — like a natural plug. This usually happens within a few minutes for a minor wound. Try not to keep poking or wiping at it during this time, or you’ll keep restarting the process. 

Step 2: Your body cleans house (days 1–5) 

Over the first few days, your immune system sends defenders to the wound site to fight off any bacteria and clear away damaged tissue. This is why some redness, warmth, and mild puffiness in the first couple of days is completely normal — it means your body is doing its job. If those signs are getting worse instead of better after a few days, that’s worth paying attention to. 

Step 3: New tissue starts growing (days 4 through week 3) 

This is where the real rebuilding happens. Your body starts laying down fresh tissue, forming new tiny blood vessels, and the edges of the wound start moving toward each other. You might see some pink or red tissue inside — that’s healthy new growth. Keeping the wound moist and covered during this stage helps it close more fully and with less scarring. 

Step 4: New skin covers the surface 

New skin cells start sliding across the wound to close it up from the outside. This is the part where staying moist really matters — if the wound dries out and forms a hard scab, those new skin cells have a much harder time crossing the surface. A moist wound heals faster and more smoothly. 

Step 5: The skin strengthens over time (weeks to months) 

Once the wound looks closed, healing is still quietly happening underneath. The skin is getting stronger and the scar is fading. This can take weeks or even months for deeper wounds. Keeping healed skin out of direct sun during this time helps reduce long-term marks. 

How to Treat a Wound at Home Step by Step 

example of bandaged hand

If you only remember one thing from this whole guide, make it this: wounds heal better when they’re kept clean, moist, and covered. 

A lot of people grew up thinking wounds need to “breathe” and dry out. That turns out not to be true.2 A hard, dry scab actually slows healing. A wound that stays moist under a clean bandage heals faster, hurts less, and is far less likely to leave a scar. Think of the bandage as giving your skin a safe, cozy place to do its work.

How to take care of a minor wound, step by step

washing hands with terrasil soap and ointment

Step 1 — Wash your hands first 

Before you touch anyone’s wound — including your own — wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds. It’s the simplest thing you can do to protect the wound from picking up extra bacteria. 

Step 2 — Rinse the wound gently 

Hold the wound under cool running water for a minute or two to wash away dirt and debris. You can gently clean the skin around it with a mild soap, but try to keep soap out of the wound itself. 

A quick note on things to avoid: hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and rubbing alcohol are common medicine cabinet staples, but most wound care experts now recommend keeping them out of wounds. They’re harsh enough to damage the very tissue your skin needs to heal. 

If you want a gentler cleansing option that’s actually good for the skin around the wound, Terrasil® Calendula Cleansing Bar is a lovely choice. It’s made with soothing natural ingredients — olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil — and contains our patented Activated Minerals®. It cleans without stripping or drying out the skin. It’s the kind of thing that’s nice to have in your bathroom cabinet for moments exactly like this.

Terrasil® Calendula Cleansing Bar

A gentle, natural cleansing bar with Activated Minerals® and soothing botanicals. Free of parabens, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances. Great for sensitive skin. 

Shop Calendula Cleansing Bar → 

Step 3 — Put a wound care ointment on it

applying ointment to sunburn

This step makes a real difference. An ointment does two important things at once: it keeps the wound moist so healing can happen faster, and it creates a protective layer that helps keep bacteria out. 

Terrasil® Infection Protection Wound Care Ointment is what we’d recommend here. It’s made with natural ingredients, no harsh chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, and no parabens. It contains an FDA-registered active ingredient alongside calendula extract, jojoba oil, beeswax, and our patented Activated Minerals® technology that supports skin healing. It’s gentle enough for kids aged 2 and up and for sensitive skin. 

If you’d like a really simple two-step routine: cleanse with the Calendula Cleansing Bar, then apply the Infection Protection Ointment. You don’t have to do both — the ointment alone is great — but together they give the wound the best possible environment to heal in. 

Terrasil® Infection Protection Wound Care Ointment 

Natural wound care ointment with Activated Minerals®, calendula, and botanical oils. Supports skin healing and helps protect against infection. FSA/HSA eligible. Safe for ages 2 and up.

Shop Infection Protection Wound Care Ointment →

Step 4 — Cover it with a clean bandage 

Put a clean bandage or dressing over the ointment.2 Change it at least once a day, or sooner if it gets wet or dirty. Each time you change it, add a little more ointment. That’s the routine — simple and consistent. 

Step 5 — Keep checking on it 

Take a quick look every time you change the bandage. A wound that’s healing well will gradually look less red, feel less sore, and slowly get smaller. If it’s doing the opposite — getting angrier, puffier, or developing discharge that doesn’t look right — that’s a good moment to check in with a healthcare provider. 

Burns and blisters — which product is right?

burns and blisters example

Not every skin problem is the same, and it helps to know which product fits your situation. 

If it’s a minor burn or an open blister, treat it like you would any open wound — keep it clean, moist, and covered. Terrasil® Infection Protection Wound Care Ointment is the right choice here. 

If the skin is irritated, rashy, chafed, dry, or cracked — but there’s no open wound, that’s a different story. Skin that’s irritated but still intact does better with a formula made specifically for skin repair. 

applying terrasil skin repair ointment to leg

Terrasil® Skin Repair Ointment

For irritated or inflamed skin without an open wound — rashes, razor burn, chafing, dry cracked skin, folliculitis, and more. Natural ingredients, no parabens, alcohol, fragrances, or steroids.

Shop Skin Repair Ointment →

Signs of Wound Infection

Not every red or irritated wound is infected. Understanding the difference between normal healing and infection can help determine when additional treatment may be needed.

Most minor wounds quietly get better on their own with good care. But every now and then, something goes in the wrong direction. Here are a few general signs that a wound might need more attention than home care can provide: 

  • Redness or swelling that keeps growing instead of settling down after the first couple of days 
  • The wound starts hurting more, not less, as time goes on 
  • Discharge that looks cloudy, yellow-green, or smells unusual 
  • The skin around the wound feels increasingly warm to the touch 
  • The wound doesn’t seem to be closing or getting better after about a week of good care 
  • You or the person you’re caring for generally feels unwell alongside the wound 

None of this is meant to alarm you — most minor wounds don’t go this route. But if any of these sound familiar, a quick conversation with a healthcare provider is always a smart move. 

A word about wounds from metal or rusty objects 

very large rusty nail

If the wound came from a rusty nail, a metal wire, or anything dirty and sharp, it’s worth a bit of extra thought — not to panic, but because this type of wound comes with a specific consideration most people haven’t thought about since their last school vaccination. 

Tetanus is a serious illness caused by bacteria that live in soil, dust, and rust. It can enter the body through cuts and puncture wounds. The good news is it’s easily preventable with a vaccine — most people in developed countries got vaccinated as children, and boosters are recommended every 10 years or so. 

If there’s any question about vaccination status — especially for a wound from a rusty or dirty object — it’s worth a quick call to a healthcare provider to talk it through. For the wound itself, the same basic care applies: rinse it well, apply ointment, and keep it covered while you keep an eye on it. 

What Not to Put on a Wound

emergency kit

A few very common household items are actually better kept away from wounds: 

  • Hydrogen peroxide — it kills bacteria but also damages the healthy cells your skin needs to heal. Best avoided inside a wound. 
  • Iodine — similar story. Fine as a skin cleanser before certain procedures, but too harsh for ongoing wound care. 
  • Rubbing alcohol — very drying, and not kind to healing tissue. 
  • Cotton balls — the fibers can get stuck in a wound and cause irritation. Gauze or a non-stick pad is a much better choice. 
  • Products with strong fragrances, dyes, or alcohol-based preservatives — broken skin is more sensitive than usual and can react to ingredients it normally handles fine. 

Should you cover a wound or let it breathe?

bandaged hand example 2

Cover it. We know — it feels counterintuitive. But wounds actually heal better covered.2 A covered wound stays moist, heals faster, is less likely to scar, and has a lower chance of picking up bacteria from the environment. The old idea that wounds need air to heal just hasn’t held up in research. 

Keep it covered until the skin has fully closed. After that, it’s fine to let it breathe. 

What Terrasil® Infection Protection Wound Care is made for

applying terrasil wound care ointment to hand
Everyday wounds
Chronic or recurring wounds
Complex skin conditions
Minor cuts and scrapes 
Leg sores and ulcers 
Diabetic skin ulcers 
Open blisters and burns 
Bed sores (pressure sores) 
Fissures 
Chapped or cracked skin 
Wound recovery 
Post-procedure skin care 

From everyday scrapes to longer-term wounds that need extra support. 

It’s safe for ages 2 and up, free of parabens, alcohol, dyes, and synthetic fragrances, and made with sensitive skin in mind. FSA/HSA eligible. 

What Helps a Wound Heal Faster?

woman at beach showing legs

A clinical study found over 86% wound closure in a month* in patients with pressure ulcers and leg sores treated using Terrasil technology.4 

And in everyday use, many customers report noticeable improvement — less redness, less soreness, visible progress — within just 1 to 2 days.

Terrasil® Infection Protection Wound Care Ointment 

A natural ointment formulated to help protect wounds, supports skin healing, and soothes discomfort — with patented Activated Minerals®, calendula extract, jojoba oil, and no parabens, alcohol, or synthetic preservatives. FSA/HSA eligible. 

Doctor recommended. Dermatologist tested. Hypoallergenic approved. Safe for ages 2+. 

Shop Terrasil Infection Protection Wound Care Ointment →

Simple habits that help prevent wounds and infections

applying moisturizer to hand

You can’t avoid every bump and scrape in life — but a few easy habits can go a long way toward protecting your skin, especially for older adults, young children, or anyone managing a health condition that affects healing. 

Keep your skin in good shape 

  • Moisturize regularly. Dry, cracked skin is much easier for bacteria to sneak into than healthy, hydrated skin 
  • Wear gloves when cooking or gardening, and proper footwear for anyone who has reduced sensation in their feet 
  • If someone spends a lot of time in bed or in a wheelchair, changing positions regularly — at least every couple of hours — helps prevent pressure sores from developing 

Clean wounds right away 

  • The sooner you clean a wound, the better. The first hour matters most 
  • Skip the hydrogen peroxide and alcohol — plain water and a gentle soap are kinder to healing skin 
  • Leave the scab alone once it forms. Picking at it reopens the wound and slows everything down 

Create the right environment for healing 

  • Keep wounds covered and moist — they heal faster and with less scarring that way 
  • Change the dressing every day, or whenever it gets wet or dirty 
  • Check on the wound regularly so you can catch any changes early 

Frequently asked questions 

man smiling in bathroom mirror

Related Reading

Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a wound or medical condition. Terrasil® products are for external use only. Contains calendula extract — do not use if you are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, and related plants). These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

* Based on a prospective multi-site case series study at four US hospital wound care centers. Data reflects 10 wound patients treated using Terrasil technology. Study published in Advances in Skin & Wound Care, 2016. 

† Based on customer-reported experiences. Results vary based on wound type, size, and severity. 

Sources 

  1. Guo, S. & Dipietro, L.A. (2010). Factors affecting wound healing. Journal of Dental Research, 89(3), 219–229. Retrieved May 2026 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2903966/ 
  2. Winter, G.D. (1962). Formation of the scab and the rate of epithelialisation of superficial wounds in the skin of the young domestic pig. Nature, 193, 293–294. Retrieved May 2026 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14007593/ 
  3. Aidance Scientific. Terrasil® Infection Protection Wound Care Ointment — Product Information. Retrieved May 2026 from https://www.aidanceproducts.com/terrasil-wound-care 
  4. Advances in Skin & Wound Care (2016). Prospective multi-site case series study on wound closure using Terrasil® technology. Study data on file, Aidance Scientific. 
  5. Bowler, P.G., Duerden, B.I. & Armstrong, D.G. (2001). Wound microbiology and associated approaches to wound management. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 14(2), 244–269. Retrieved May 2026 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC88973/ 
  6. Mayo Clinic. Cuts and scrapes: First aid. Retrieved May 2026 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cuts/basics/art-20056711 

Best Ointment for Pressure Sores at Home: What Actually Helps Bed Sores Heal Faster

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Nurse applying ointment to elderly patient

The Reality of At-Home Pressure Sore Care 

If you’re caring for someone with limited mobility—whether a parent, spouse, or family member—you know how quickly pressure sores can develop. What starts as redness can become a source of real discomfort and concern, sometimes in a matter of days. 

What actually helps bed sores heal faster? The answer isn’t complicated: the right ointment, used consistently. Specifically, an ointment that soothes without stinging, protects the skin barrier, lasts for hours between applications, and is gentle enough for daily use. Combined with proper positioning and regular skin checks, this combination makes all the difference. 

The emotional weight of managing pressure sores at home is real. You’re balancing comfort, prevention, and the stress of wondering if you’re doing enough. The good news? When you understand what pressure-prone skin actually needs—and find a product that delivers on all fronts—the healing process moves faster and caregiving becomes less stressful. 

This guide will help you understand what to actually look for in a pressure sore ointment, what the best options are, and how to choose one that fits your caregiving situation. 

Long Story, Short: Here’s What You Should Get (TLDR) 

What actually helps bed sores heal faster comes down to three things: 1) the right ointment that checks all the boxes (soothing, protective, long-lasting, safe for daily use), 2) consistent application, and 3) the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re using a product specifically designed for this challenge. 

If you’re looking for an ointment that meets all six criteria—soothing, protective, long-lasting, safe for daily use, concentrated, and made with high-quality botanicals and Activated Minerals®—Terrasil® Bed Sore & Pressure Sore Relief is designed specifically for this type of at-home care.

Many caregivers choose subscription delivery simply for convenience, ensuring consistent access during ongoing care.

What Makes a Good Pressure Sore Ointment: 6 Things to Look For 

ointment example

Before we dive into specific products, let’s talk about what actually matters when you’re choosing an ointment. Your situation is unique, and the right solution should address real pain points: 

1. Works Fast Without Stinging 

When someone’s uncomfortable, they need relief—not more irritation. The ointment should feel soothing the moment it touches skin, not create a burning sensation that makes things worse. This matters for compliance too; if it hurts to apply, it won’t be used consistently. 

2. Brings Noticeable Comfort Quickly 

Pressure sores cause real pain and soreness that can affect appetite, sleep, and mood. You need an ointment that doesn’t just protect—it actively soothes visible redness, itching, and discomfort so the person feels better fast. 

3. Stays on the Skin (Long-Lasting) 

Creams disappear. Good ointments stick around, creating a protective barrier that lasts hours between applications. This means less frequent reapplication and better consistency of care—which is exactly what healing skin needs. 

4. Safe for Daily, Long-Term Use 

Pressure sores aren’t a one-week problem; they’re often an ongoing concern. Your ointment needs to be gentle enough to use multiple times daily without causing irritation, drying out skin, or building up harmful residue. 

5. Concentrated Formula (A Little Goes a Long Way) 

You’re already managing a lot. An ointment that’s potent means you use less product per application, stretching your supply further and saving money in the long run. This is especially important if you’re managing multiple pressure-prone areas. 

6. Made with Quality Ingredients That Support Natural Healing 

Because of how often you’re applying this ointment, it should actually be good for skin. Look for botanical ingredients and minerals that soothe, protect, and support your body’s natural renewal process—not just synthetic fillers. 

When you find an ointment that checks all six boxes, you’ve found your answer. 

4 Things to Look for When Buying for Pressure-Prone Skin 

Close-up of elbow

1. A Real Barrier That Actually Sticks 

Your skin needs protection from friction and moisture exposure. The ointment should create a barrier that doesn’t wash away immediately or disappear into the skin within minutes. It needs to stay put and keep doing its job for hours. 

2. Antimicrobial or Antiseptic Support 

This doesn’t mean antibiotic (which comes with its own issues when used long-term). Look for ointments with natural antiseptic ingredients or minerals that help your body’s natural defenses work better. Think botanicals and minerals, not harsh chemicals. 

3. Soothing, Not Stripping 

The goal is to calm irritation and redness, not dry out the skin or leave it feeling tight. Your ointment should feel nourishing—like it’s actually helping the skin feel better, not just sitting on top of it. 

4. Ingredients You’d Actually Put on Your Own Skin 

If you wouldn’t use it on yourself regularly, you probably shouldn’t be using it on someone else regularly. Look for transparent ingredient lists and minimal synthetic fillers. You’re applying this daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Quality matters. 

Comparing OTC Pressure Sore Ointment Options 

Feature
Terrasil®
Neosporin®
Eucerin®
Aquaphor®
Fast-Acting (No sting)
Reduces Visible Redness
Lasts Long on Skin
Safe for Daily, Long-Term Use
Concentrated Formula
Natural/Botanical Ingredients
Antiseptic Support
Designed Specifically for Pressure Sores

Why the Differences Matter: 

 Traditional antibiotic ointments like Neosporin® can sting and aren’t formulated for long-term daily use. Basic barrier creams like Eucerin® protect but lack antimicrobial support. Aquaphor® is gentle and long-lasting but doesn’t actively soothe irritation. When you’re looking for an ointment that truly addresses pressure sore care—something that’s soothing, protective, and safe for ongoing use—the options narrow pretty quickly. 

What to Look for in an At-Home Pressure Sore Ointment 

Assorted ingredients in glass containers

When evaluating OTC ointments for pressure sore care, prioritize these qualities: 

  • Skin Protectant Ingredient (e.g., Allantoin or Zinc Oxide) — creates a protective barrier and supports skin renewal 
  • Antimicrobial or Antiseptic Support — naturally helps with skin health without harsh chemicals 
  • Soothing Botanicals — ingredients that calm irritation and redness 
  • Formula for Long-Term Use — free of harsh preservatives, dyes, and artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin with repeated application 
  • Clean, Transparent Ingredient List — you should understand what you’re putting on skin day after day 
  • Proven Track Record — look for brands backed by research and real caregiver experience 

The Ointment That Actually Does All Six Things 

Man applying terrasil® ointment

Most ointments excel in one or two areas. Finding one that checks all the boxes—especially when you’re applying it daily for weeks or months—is rare. 

That’s where Terrasil® Bed Sore & Pressure Sore Relief enters the picture. It’s not the newest product on the shelf. It’s not the cheapest. But it’s the one that caregivers actually stick with, the one they reorder, and the one they recommend to other people managing pressure sores at home. 

Here’s what makes the difference: 

It’s designed specifically for this situation. Not for general wound care. Not for minor scrapes. But for the exact challenge you’re facing: protecting pressure-prone skin while supporting comfort and healing over weeks and months. 

What caregivers notice: 

  • Visible improvement in redness and discomfort within days to a week of consistent use 
  • It actually feels soothing when you apply it (no sting, no irritation) 
  • One jar or tube lasts weeks because the formula is concentrated—you use less per application 
  • It’s safe to use repeatedly without worrying about buildup or skin damage 
  • Doctor-recommended and manufactured in an FDA-registered facility 
  • Backed by 15+ years of real-world use and caregiver feedback 

The combination of natural botanicals, targeted minerals, and a formula that was built for long-term daily use is what sets it apart. But the real proof is in what happens when you use it consistently: caregivers see results, skin improves, and the stress of managing pressure sores at home goes down. 

There’s also a 90-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it completely risk-free. If it doesn’t deliver what you’re hoping for, you get your money back. 

Subscribe & Save: Make Daily Care Easier 

Opening a box and jar of terrasil® ointment

Chronic skin challenges require ongoing prevention and protection. Running out of supplies interrupts consistency, which is essential for pressure-prone skin. This is where Subscribe & Save makes real sense for your situation. 

Terrasil’s Subscribe & Save program offers: 

  • 10%+ automatic savings on every delivery 
  • Flexible delivery schedules that match your routine 
  • Ability to pause, skip, or cancel anytime—no commitment 
  • Reliable supply so you never run out of supportive care 

Choosing the Right Size 

Not sure which size works best for you? It depends on your specific situation: 

1.55 oz (44 gram) jar — Ideal for early-stage redness, small areas, or occasional use. Good if you’re just starting preventative care or managing one pressure-prone area. 

3 oz (85 gram) tube — Designed for larger areas or long-term caregiving routines. If bed sores are a chronic concern, this is your best value. The concentrated formula means a little goes a long way, and with auto-delivery, you’ll always have supportive care for pressure-prone skin within reach. 

Our recommendation: If you’re managing ongoing pressure sores or limited mobility situations, subscribe and save 10% on auto-delivery of the 3 oz tube. You get the best value, and you’ll never wonder if you have enough on hand. With auto-delivery, you can change, pause, or cancel at any time—no questions asked. 

Moving Forward with Confidence 

Caring for someone with pressure sores is an act of dedication. By choosing an ointment that delivers on all fronts and using it consistently, you’re giving that person’s skin the support it needs to improve and stay healthy. 

The right solution doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to work, feel good, and be something you’ll actually use every single day without stress or concern. 

Ready to get started? Browse Terrasil® Pressure Sore Relief or explore Subscribe & Save for ongoing care. 

You’re doing the right thing. Now give yourself the right ointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Sources & Research 

  1. National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP). Pressure Injury Prevention and Treatment: Clinical Practice Guideline. NPIAP, 2019. 
  2. Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). Guideline for Management of Pressure Ulcers (Injuries). WOCN Journal, 2016. 
  3. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Conditions: Wound Care. AAD, 2023. 
  4. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers in Primary and Secondary Care. AHRQ, 2015. 
  5. International Wound Infection Institute. Wound Infection in Clinical Practice. IWII, 2016. 
  6. American Hospital Association. Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Long-Term Care Settings. AHA, 2020. 

FDA Compliance Notice: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Terrasil® Bed Sore & Pressure Sore Relief is an over-the-counter skin protectant and antiseptic ointment. Always follow product labeling and directions. If you have concerns about pressure sores or skin integrity, consult a healthcare provider.