What are Bed Sores | Bed Sores Treatment
Bed Sores Treatment include the use of honey, Aloe Vera, papaya milk, comfrey leaves, elm, turmeric powder, witch hazel, myrrh, a vitamin and fiber rich diet, and water. Bed sores are lesions or wounds, which in the due course of time take the shape of an ulcer, resulting in itching and inflammation of the surrounding area.
If not treated in an appropriate amount of time, bed sores may lead to life-threatening situations. These can be avoided by keeping oneself clean and dry and changing your posture regularly, so as to avoid pressure being built up at a particular area.
Bed Sores Treatment
Some of the home remedies that need to be followed by the occurrence of sores and throughout the course of development of bed sores are explained below:
Fiber-Rich Diet
Your body needs to heal the sores by making up the wear and tear loss and the deposition of protein fibers for quick healing. The consumption of beetroot, beans, lentil, rice bran, and fruits can definitely boost your fiber levels. Moreover, meat- and fat-rich diets should be avoided.
Vitamin-rich Diet
All essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E should be consumed by bedridden, hospitalized, and elderly individuals in order to prevent the development of bed sores. Oils containing vitamin E should also be applied over the body.
Witch Hazel and Myrrh
Sores can also be washed 2 to 4 times a day with a mixture of witch hazel that acts as an astringentand myrrh that acts as a resin.
Papaya Milk
A bandage soaked with papaya ‘milk’ from either the trunk or its green fruit can be applied at least three times a day until the dead flesh is worn off.
Turmeric Powder
For disinfecting a pressure sore, turmeric powder can be sprinkled over the affected area.
Honey
Dressing the bed sore area with bandage coated with a thick paste of sugar or honey causes detoxification of the wound because honey kills germs very effectively. However, the paste should not be diluted as it may enhance the growth of pathogens rather than destroying them. In Colombia, some doctors use thin slices of raw sugar for treating bedsores.
Comfrey Leaves and Elm
Equal parts of slippery elm and comfrey leaf powder should be made into a paste. This paste should be applied with a cloth over the sore, and should then be left overnight for healing. This is a very effective remedy. Use of some of these herbs is banned/restricted in some countries such as the UK so consult your local health specialist before use.
Water
Water keeps skin soft and removes dead tissues. Therefore, at least 8 to 10 glasses are a must.
Aloe Vera
Wounds can be cleaned with the saline spray containing Aloe Vera gel to keep them clean and prevent them from spreading.
Some Other House Hold Tricks for Curing Bedsores
A bedridden patient should remember to switch positions at regular intervals. A change in posture at least every 2 hours has been recommended by experts. It should also be kept in mind by the individual suffering from bed sores that smoking causes dryness and a reduced blood supply to the skin, leading to the formation of bed sores as well as a deceleration of the healing process. Hence, smoking must be avoided when you are in a situation where bed sores are likely. The consumption of caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee should also be reduced.
In routine life, a ripple mattress or bed should be used to maintain proper blood circulation. To help guard the areas of the body that suffer from a lot of pressure, pillows, soft cushions, sheepskin, or blankets should also be used. While doing sedentary work for long hours, one should remove shoes and braces. People using wheelchairs should have seat cushions that fit the body well and are comfortable in the wheelchair.
To sum up, massaging the body regularly, avoiding friction, sliding, or any kind of rubbing of the body parts, keeping oneself dry and clean all the time, and eating a nutritive and fiber-rich diet can prevent you suffering from bed sores. As is commonly said- ‘Prevention is better than a cure.’
