Bedsores are skin ulcers that appear in areas constantly subjected to pressure. Bedridden patients, those with paralysis and/or spinal cord injuries who can\\'t change their position often develop bedsores at pressure points in the lower back, buttocks, elbows, knees, shoulders, heels and ankles. Other high risk groups are adults over 60, those with poor circulation, malnourished patients, and heavy individuals.
Bedsores are not a pleasant topic. But they can be a fact of life for anyone who can\\'t care for themselves, from an ailing parent confined to a wheelchair to a bedridden friend facing an extended recuperation from an accident or chronic condition. Also called pressure ulcers, bedsores are caused by constant pressure on part of the body, usually on areas that cover a bony area, such as the lower back, hips, buttocks, and heels. Under this unrelenting pressure, tissue is starved of oxygen and nutrients. While bedsores are usually the unwelcome bedfellows of more serious health concerns, they are no trivial matter.
Causes of Bedsores:
Soiling of the bedclothes with food residues, urine, feces, or sweat is a primary factor in the development of bedsores. Prolonged pressure against the bed, chair, a cast, or a splint obstructs the circulation and causes the skin to break down. Pressure sores usually start as red and shiny spots in the body which are called threatened bedsores. As constant pressure reduces the blood supply, the area becomes dark blue and the condition is called an inevitable bedsores.
Symptoms of Bedsores:
Early sign of a bed sore is a red rash that looks much like a sunburn. If left untreated, full blown bed sores develop, resulting in open wounds with drainage, infections and even death.
Treatment for Bedsores:
1] Stay Dry - It is recommended to keep your skin clean and dry.
2] Use The Power Of Your Mind - Some people with pressure ulcers have found stress-relieving techniques such as imagery, mediation, or prayer helpful in relieving the pain.
3] Put Sores Under Cover - Keep bedsores covered to prevent infection. Moist dressings tend to be less painful.
4] Keep Moving - Since bedsores are caused by constant pressure, move around as much as you can.
5] Try Zinc And Vitamin C - These nutrients help speed wound healing. If you want to try supplementation, discuss the idea with your doctor first.
6] Ask About OTCs - If your bedsores hurt continuously, you may want to ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medication at regular intervals, not just when the pain flares.
7] When bed baths are employed, the patient should be dried and powdered thoroughly and damp bed linen should be replaced.
8] Get Healthy- Malnutrition is common in bedsore patients. This condition contributes to the easy breakdown of the skin.
9] Aromatherapy - To clean sores and promote healing, dab a solution of 4 drops of tea treeoil and 1 cup of water over the affected area.
10] Homeopathy - To help heal bedsores, apply Calendula ointment to the affected skin.
11] Chinese Herbal Therapy There are many Chinese herbs that can speed healing and lessen the pain of bedsores, including Bletilla Striata, which can be mixed into an ointment with sesame oil and applied to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day.
12] Herbal Therapy - Herbal therapists recommend external application of the following therapeutic herbs, under appropnate supervision: echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh gum, pau d\\'arco, slippery elm.
Read About Home Remedies also Read about Home Remedies for Bedsores and Home Remedies for Bedwetting
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