Pressure ulcers

Overview

Two supplements have limited evidence for pressure ulcers. Topical Olive Oil (3 studies) has mixed results—some small trials suggest it may reduce ulcer size or lower development risk in very sick or bed-bound patients, while other research found daily application did not prevent ulcers. Lysine (1 study) in a hyaluronate cream helped shrink pressure sores more than standard sodium hyaluronate cream in hospitalized patients, with clearer benefit in more serious wounds.

Overall evidence remains inconclusive. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.

Effect graph

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Relevant supplements

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.


Olive Oil	★★★★★	Low
Lysine	★★★★★	Low

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Studies

Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.

2 supplements for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

Olive OilView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceHighTrustMedium

Evidence Review

It is unclear if using olive oil on the skin can help treat or prevent pressure ulcers.
Some small studies suggest that applying olive oil might help reduce the size of existing ulcers, and it may also lower the chance of developing pressure sores, especially in very sick or bed-bound patients.
However, other research suggests that applying olive oil once a day may not prevent ulcers, and more research is needed to be sure.

Browse 3 studies1 meta-analysis

MetaEfficacy and Safety of Topical Application of Olive Oil for Preventing Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2022

A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs found topical olive oil reduced pressure ulcer incidence (RR 0.56) versus other treatments with no increase in adverse effects.

Effect: Benefit
Population: Patients at risk of pressure ulcers

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Clinical trialEffect of Olive Oil in Preventing the Development of Pressure Ulcer Grade One in Intensive Care Unit Patients2020n=72

A clinical trial in 72 ICU patients found topical olive oil plus standard skin care lowered pressure ulcer severity scores on days 4 and 7 versus standard care alone.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 15 ml/day
Population: ICU patients
Participants: 72
Ages: 18+

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RCTThe Effect of Using Olive Oil and Fish Oil Prophylactic Dressings on Heel Pressure Injury Development in Critically Ill Patients2020n=50

A 7-day trial in 50 critically ill patients at pressure injury risk found neither olive oil nor fish oil heel dressings prevented heel pressure injuries, with no difference between oils.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 7 days
Population: ICU patients
Participants: 50

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LysineView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

In a small study of hospitalized patients, using a special cream with lysine hyaluronate once a day for a week, then every two days for the next week, helped shrink pressure sores more than a regular sodium hyaluronate cream.
The benefit was especially clear in more serious wounds.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffect of lysine hyaluronate on the healing of decubitus ulcers in rehabilitation patients2011

A 15-day double-blind RCT in rehabilitation patients with pressure ulcers found lysine hyaluronate produced greater lesion size reduction than sodium hyaluronate across all ulcer stages.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 15 days
Population: Hospitalized patients

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Evidence visualised

Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.

Purchase-guidance distribution

How many supplements fall in each purchase band

Effect-size distribution

How large the reported benefits tend to be

Study distribution across 2 supplements for pressure ulcers (4 studies total).
Supplement	DEX	Studies	Meta-analyses	Share
Olive Oil	★★★★★52%	3	1	75%
Lysine	★★★★★44%	1	0	25%

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Overview

Effect graph

Relevant supplements

Studies

Evidence visualised

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