Pressure ulcers are areas of localised tissue damage and are associated with increased morbidity. The presence of infection further increases the risk of tissue damage and development of bacteraemia and septicaemia. Classic signs of infection are not always obvious in chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers and the clinician must monitor for signs of pain, tissue breakdown and poor healing. The appropriate selection and use of topical antimicrobial agents, including antiseptics, can assist in managing the bacterial burden of these chronic wounds.