Bed sores or pressure sores occur due the skin being suffocated from beneath with the weight of the body. It is extremely common in bedridden patients suffering from paralysis, coma, Alzheimer’s and other debilitating health conditions that have confined them to the bed. Due to the continuous pressure on the skin, blood flow is cut off to the skin.
As a result, the smaller blood vessels clot and give rise to a small, red sore on the surface of the skin. If this is not checked, the skin breaks down, ulcerates and becomes infected. While prevention is better than cure, some common home remedies can help to alleviate the bed sores.
Home Remedies For Bedsores
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel applied topically on the bed sores especially when they are in their initial stages is quite effective in getting rid of sores. The gel soothes the skin and prevents it from becoming ulcerated and infected.
Calendula Cream
Topical calendula cream is quite effective in treating bed sores. It soothes and allows the wound to heal.
Minimize The Pressure
One way of preventing the sores is to relieve pressure on the skin from all angles. If the patient has been confined to the bed, ensure that his/her position is changed constantly so that the blood is allowed to circulate to all parts of the body equally. This will ultimately reduce the risk of sores developing on the surface of the skin.
Pressure Relieving Devices And Cushions
Make sure you use pressure relieving devices and cushions to get rid of the pressure on the sores. Certain cushions made of sheep skin and foam is particularly helpful in preventing the formation of new pressure sores especially in young adults.
Inspection of Skin
Thorough scrutiny of the skin especially in the bony areas and joints is essential to detect early sores. Turn the patient to his/her side and inspect all pressure points, spinal areas, joints and other areas which come heavily in contact with the bed. Early signs of pressure sores can then be detected and remedial measures can be taken.
Clean The Skin And Practice Good Hygiene
Bedridden patients cannot be bathed. Sponge baths are ideally recommended for these patients. When you do a sponge bath, make sure you use a mild but good antiseptic soap to clean stubborn and inaccessible spots which become the breeding ground for sweat, grime and filth. Keep the skin healthy but make sure you do not scrub too hard as this can worsen existing sores or irritate the skin.
Protein Rich Diet
To keep the skin taut and supple, it is important to consume a high protein diet. Protein helps in skin healing and prevents the skin from getting loose and lax which in turn exacerbates the sores.
Maintain Healthy Weight
All patients who are predisposed to getting bed sores should maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight gain can increase the pressure on the skin thus leading to the formation of bed sores. So make sure your weight is always kept in strict control.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.