Bedsores also known as pressure sores occur when the bone squeezes the skin and tissue against an outside surface. They usually develop in the weight bearing areas where the bones are near the skin. If you are bedridden then the sores generally develop below the waist. Other areas where the bedsores occur are the shoulder blades, elbows, base of the spine, knees, ankles, heels and between the fingers and toes.
When one is bedridden or confined to a wheelchair for prolonged periods, the surface of the bed or the seat puts excessive pressure on the bony prominences of the body. This unrelieved pressure damages the underlying tissue and leads to bedsores. First the affected skin becomes red and sensitive and later, if there is no reduction in the friction, the redness progresses to an abrasion or an ulcer. The ulcer can extend to the muscle and form a shallow crater. The upper layer of the skin is destroyed and the ulcer becomes very sore and painful.
Easy Ways To Treat Bed Sores
Coconut Oil
Rub coconut oil all over the patient’s body and on the bedsores two or three times daily. Coconut oil will keep the thin and sensitive skin well moisturized and minimize the friction between the skin and the surface of the bed. It will also prevent the sores from getting infected with bacteria and other microbes and will facilitate the healing process.
Cornstarch
It is necessary to keep the skin dry and free from moisture. Moisture from perspiration or bedwetting or feces aggravates the skin and softens it considerably. It also decreases the skin’s resistance making it more vulnerable to bedsores.
Mix some cornstarch and sandalwood powder and dust the patient’s back and undersides with it liberally. Sandalwood will disinfect the sores and will help them to heal quickly and cornstarch will keep the skin dry.
Top Home Remedies For Bedsores
Effective Remedies For Bed Sores
Turmeric
Mix a paste of slaked lime with some turmeric powder and apply it to the sores three or four times daily. This mixture will not only discourage any infection but it will also reduce the pain and will promptly start the healing process. Slaked lime will also keep the bedsores dry and clean while turmeric will help to repair the damaged tissue.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has innumerable healing and curative powers. It is very good for all kinds of skin disorders because of its powerful soothing and nourishing properties. Massage the patient’s back, shoulders, legs and arms with warm olive oil for ten to fifteen minutes twice daily.
Olive oil will help to heal the sores and will also keep the skin well lubricated. The massage will stimulate the blood circulation and strengthen the skin enormously.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has powerful medicinal values as well as great soothing properties which bring instant relief in the pain. Remove the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf and rub it on the sores three or four times daily.
The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera will not only take care of any infection but will also instantly set to work to heal and repair the damaged tissue.
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.