Historical notes on pressure ulcers: the cure of Ambrose Paré

Abstract

Ambrose Paré practiced surgery in 16th century France, and is considered a founding father of modern medical surgical practice. History books remember him mainly for innovations in treating war wounds, but few are aware of his treatment for skin ulcers. His textbooks contain instructions sounding quite similar to ours, including nutrition, pain relief, and debridement. Paré's autobiography relates the case of a wounded French aristocrat who developed a pressure ulcer and was successfully cured.