Bed sores

Bed Sores

Bed sores commonly known as pressure sores, skin ulcers or decubitus are cuts, lesions or swelling caused due to prolonged pressure on any part of body and usually affect parts of the body over bony areas.

Bed sores commonly occur among handicapped, disabled, paralyzed or bed ridden patients as they are unable to change their position frequently and continuous pressure on specific parts of body lead to bed sores. Bed sores can be treated effectively if found early but can become a life threatening disease as it cuts off blood circulation to parts of the body.

Bed sores commonly occur around the buttocks, heels, lower back and the hip bone area among bed ridden individuals while spine, ankles, knees, head , shoulders are also susceptible to pressure sores depending on the fixed position of the patient. It is important to note that bedsores, if small and detected early can be treated by regular dressings while large or deep bedsores need plastic surgery techniques.

Symptoms of Bed Sores

Based on the severity of the condition, bed sores go through four different stages and the symptoms seen during each stage vary.

Stage I

  • The skin remains intact, even in the initial stages
  • In case of lighter skin color, the skin appears darker and does not lighten briefly (blanch) when it is touched
  • In case of darker skin, no changes in the actual skin color, but the appearance of bluish or purple spots
  • Pain, softness, tenderness and change in temperature around the skin

Stage II

  • Ulcers or open wounds
  • Loss or damage in the underlying layer of the dermis as well as the epidermis
  • Appearance of pinkish, shallow and basin-like wounds
  • Ruptured fluid-filled blisters on the skin

Stage III

  • Development of deep wound at the site of the ulcer
  • Skin loss, with exposure of fat
  • Crater-like ulcers appearing on the skin
  • Appearance

Causes of Bed Sores

A bed sore is caused by any prolonged pressure against your skin that interferes with and inhibits the required supply of blood to certain areas of the skin and its underlying tissues. It is mainly factors that are related to restricted mobility that make the skin more vulnerable and susceptible to damage, thereby contributing to the development of pressure sores. The three main factors that lead to pressure sores are:

  • Sustained Pressure: In case a part of your skin and the underlying tissues get trapped between your bones and the hard surface of perhaps a bedframe or a wheelchair, the pressure applied to the area is likely to be higher than the pressure of blood that flows through the capillaries. It is not only the circulation of blood that gets affected because of this, but the amount of oxygen and nutrients supplied to that area would be reduced significantly. Due to deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, the cells of the skin and the tissues get damaged and may also die, leading to a severe bed sore. Sustained pressure is more likely to occur in areas where the presence of fat and muscle is limited.
  • Shear: This occurs when two surfaces are moving in opposite directions and is more commonly seen in those patients, who use elevated hospital beds for a long period of time. In such a scenario, the patient may slide down the bed and though the tailbone moves down, the skin that is above it, remains intact, thereby leading to damaged blood vessels and tissues.
  • Friction: Resistance to motion is a common problem seen in those who are handled or moved around with the assistance of caregivers. If the patient’s skin is moist, the friction can cause a greater amount of damage.

Remedies for Bed Sores

It is much easier to prevent bed sores than it is to treat them. However, this does not mean that bed sores cannot be cured or that they can always be prevented. There are several options that you can opt for, which include medical procedures as well as home remedies. Given below are some of the simple steps that need to be followed, for treating and dealing with bed sores:

  • Cleaning the Wound: A wound that has not been cleaned properly is prone to infections and inflammation. You could use some fresh water, with mild soap to treat the bed sores. In case of open sores, you need to use saltwater (saline solution) to clean the wound a couple of times a day.
  • Dressing the Wound: You can expedite the healing process by keeping the wound moist and dressing it appropriately. A proper dressing protects the wounds from infections too and keeps the surrounding area dry. There is a huge variety of dressings that you can opt for, like gauzes, gels foams, treated bandages and films. At times, you may be advised to use a combination of dressings for best results.
  • Exercising: This may be a huge challenge for those who are confined to a bed or a wheelchair. However, there are many exercise disciplines that are planned and crafted, keeping in mind the specific needs and capabilities of the patient.
  • Practicing Healthy Habits: There are some habits, like smoking, that affect the circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Therefore, in order to avoid bed sores, it is best to quit such unhealthy habits.
  • Protecting Bony Areas: In order to expedite the healing process, it is important to use some sort of cushioning on the bony area. A soft mattress or an air mattress can help prevent and heal bed sores faster.
  • Herbs: There are certain herbs that can be applied directly on to the wound, to help them heal faster. Some of the most widely recommended herbs for this purpose include witch hazel, goldenseal, turmeric root, myrrh and comfrey.

Diet for Bed Sores

  • Nutrition plays a very important role in most health conditions and following a healthy diet can have a positive effect on the patient’s overall health and well-being. Moreover, since severe weight loss and being too thin can lead to the formation of bed sores, it is important for all patients to make sure that they eat foods that are highly nutritious, with an adequate caloric content. It is best for patients to follow a diet that is rich in raw vegetables and fruits.
  • Vitamin C and zinc are both important for healing wounds and therefore foods that are high in these nutrients should be consumed in higher quantities. Oranges, lemons, limes, peppers and other citric fruits are all high in Vitamin C and therefore their consumption should be increased. Patients who are bed ridden can also be given fresh orange (without sugar or preservatives) for improving overall immunity.
  • Protein is also important for building muscle and strengthening the body. Therefore, certain foods that are high in protein, like eggs, chicken, turkey, low far dairy products and a few varieties of nuts should be given to people who are immobile.
  • One of the most important considerations would be your hydration level. It is extremely important to consume a significant amount of water throughout the day as this helps keep the skin hydrated and improves its overall health, thereby reducing the risk of bed sores.

Suggestion for Bed Sores

The treatment and care required for bed sores is quite demanding and challenging, and it can be particularly hard on family members or caregivers, who are already trying to cope with the debilitating condition that has afflicted the patient. Fortunately, there are several social workers you can contact, who will help you to identify community workers that not only provide services, but also run support groups for patients suffering from debilitating diseases. Alternately, you could also get in touch with physicians or nurses who specialize in end-of-life palliative care, which focuses on reducing pain and enhancing comfort.

Bed sores should never be left unchecked and untreated. As soon as a bed sore is noticed, it is important to seek medical attention.

What Are Bedsores?

Bed sores are the ulcers on the skin that develop as a result of immobility of a person. Though bedsores are common among elderly or senior persons, it can also affect people who are in bedridden condition, or in coma or are immobile due any other reason. Remaining in a particular position for a long time as in the case of lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair due to immobility reduces the blood supply to the particular areas of the skin causing severe blisters or sores. Bedsores occur if there is daily pressure on the same part of the skin for a long time.  In the initial stages the bedsores will be red in color and they turn to purple as the days go by.  If the sores are not treated in the early stages itself, the sores break open and may cause infection. The infection can spread to other muscle areas. The most commonly affected areas are hip, buttocks; lower back, shoulder blades etc.  There are many effective home remedies available for this problem.

Home Remedies To Prevent And Treat Bedsores

1. Position Changes
It is easy to prevent bedsores than treat it.  Changing the position every now and then will reduce the stress on the skin.
•  People using wheelchairs should change their position at least every one hour with the assistance from others.
• Use different types of cushions like air filled, water filled or gel cushions to relieve the pressure.
• In the case of bedridden patients repositioning is necessary in every two hours.

2. Wash Up And Keep Them Clean
If you want the bedsores to heal faster keep them clean. This will also prevent any infection.
• Wash the sores with mild soap and water
• Cleaning the area with salt water will help in faster healing.
• Do the cleaning at least twice a day.

3. Zinc
Zinc helps to improve the working of the immune system and helps in wound healing.
• Take 15 milligrams of zinc three times daily to heal the sores.
• Take zinc along with meals to prevent any stomach upset.

4. Vitamin C
This vitamin is necessary for the health of skin and blood vessels. They also have anti-inflammatory property.
• Take 500 milligrams of vitamin C three times daily.
• You can include Vitamin C rich foods in your diet.

5. Goldenseal
Golden seal has natural antiseptic properties and this helps in preventing any infections and speedy healing of the sores.
•  Mix 1 teaspoon golden seal powder and the oil contained in 10r two capsules of vitamin E.
• If  the mixture is too dry add a few drops of olive oil
• Apply this mixture to the affected area at least three times a day

6. Sugar And Honey
Honey has natural antiseptic properties and also soothes the skin. Sugar promotes the healing of the skin.
• Apply a mixture of sugar and honey to the wounds.
• Cover the area with a clean bandage.

7. Turmeric And Honey
Turmeric has antibacterial properties and honey also protects the skin.
• Wash the wounds and apply the mixture of turmeric and honey

8. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly keeps the skin moist and promotes the healing of bedsores.
• Take a sterile bandage and apply some petroleum jelly on it.
• Put this bandage on the wound so that the tissues around the wound regenerate fast.

9. Milk Of Magnesia
This home remedy is also used in hospitals to treat bedsores or the pressure ulcers. This remedy will give faster recovery.
• Mix milk of magnesia and iodine
• Set aside this mixture for half an hour
• Apply this mixture on the sores several times a day.

10.  Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera prevents the spreading of sores and it moisturizes the skin, this ensures quick recovery.
• Clean the bedsores using water.
• Apply the pulp or gel of Aloe Vera once or twice a day.

11.  Lysol
This is an effective natural remedy to prevent or to treat bed sores.
• Use a spray bottle to spray Lysol on the bedsore affected area.
• Repeat the remedy twice or thrice a day to get rid of the germs infecting the wounds and to speed up healing process.

12.  Comfrey Leaves And Slippery Elm
This is a traditional home remedy to cure bed sores.
• Make a paste of equal amounts comfrey leaves and slippery elm.
• Place the mix on the wound and secure it with a bandage.
• Leave it overnight to cure bed sores

13.  Skin Massages
Massaging the body will improve the blood circulation and prevents and helps in healing of sores.
• Give daily mild massage to the body
• Do not massage sores or apply pressure on them.

14.  Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can promote healing of the skin as it improves the immunity of the body.
•  Take rich and healthy foods containing vitamins like A, B, C, D and E
• Try to avoid meat and include more fiber rich foods.

15.  Talcum Powder
Applying talcum powder or baby powder to the areas of the body which are in contact with the bed or on the bed sores helps to keep away the moisture. Moisture can increase the bedsores and also promote infection. Powders can keep the area dry and promote healing.
• Wash the body using any disinfectant.
• Dry the body thoroughly.
• Apply baby powder or talcum powder to the affected areas.
• Repeat the procedure twice daily to get faster relief from bed sores.

Are you a person taking care of a bedridden patient or a patient confined to a wheel chair? Do want to help the patients suffering from bedsores? Are you looking for suitable home remedies to get rid of bed sores or looking for methods to prevent bed sores? You can try the various home remedies given above and find out the most suitable remedy for your patient. If you think that the bedsores are not reducing within one week get the help of a medical practitioner to treat the problem.