Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are painful wounds that develop on the skin due to prolonged pressure or friction. They usually occur on bony areas of the body, such as the hips, heels, elbows, and tailbone.
Bed sores can affect anyone who is bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or has limited mobility, but they are more common among older adults and people with chronic conditions.
Bed sores can range from mild to severe, depending on the depth and extent of tissue damage. They can cause complications such as infections, sepsis, bone and joint problems, and even death if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to know how to cure bed sores and prevent them from worsening.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to cure bed sores, including the causes, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and home remedies.
We will also answer some frequently asked questions about bed sores and share some useful resources for further information. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to cure bed sores and improve your quality of life.
Bed sores or Decubitus ulcers are skin damage that occurs due to lack of blood flow and irritation on the skin covering the protruding bone, where the skin is getting pressure from beds, wheelchairs, casts, splinting or other hard objects.
Decubitus ulcer is a disease that occurs in humans where there is bony, namely elbows, heels, hips, ankles, shoulders, back and the back of the head.
What Causes Bed Sores?
Bed sores are caused by a combination of factors, such as:
- Pressure: When the skin and underlying tissues are compressed between a hard surface and a bone for a long time, they can lose blood supply and oxygen, leading to cell death and tissue damage. This is the main cause of bed sores.
- Friction: When the skin rubs against a rough or moist surface, such as a bed sheet or a clothing, it can cause irritation and abrasion, making the skin more vulnerable to pressure ulcers.
- Shear: When the skin moves in one direction while the underlying bone moves in another direction, such as when sliding down a bed or a chair, it can cause the skin to stretch and tear, resulting in deeper wounds.
- Moisture: When the skin is exposed to excessive moisture, such as sweat, urine, or feces, it can weaken the skin barrier and increase the risk of infection and inflammation.
- Other factors: Some other factors that can contribute to the development of bed sores are poor nutrition, dehydration, smoking, diabetes, vascular diseases, infections, and certain medications.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bed Sores?
Bed sores can cause various symptoms, depending on the stage and severity of the wound. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Redness: The affected area may appear red, warm, swollen, or tender to the touch. This is the earliest sign of a bed sore and indicates that the skin is damaged but not broken.
- Blister: The skin may form a fluid-filled blister that may be clear, yellow, or bloody. This indicates that the skin is broken and the wound is shallow.
- Open sore: The skin may develop an open sore that may expose the underlying tissues, such as fat, muscle, or bone. This indicates that the wound is deep and the tissue damage is extensive.
- Pain: The wound may cause pain, burning, itching, or stinging sensations, especially when touched or moved. The pain may vary from mild to severe, depending on the stage and location of the bed sore.
- Odor: The wound may emit a foul or unpleasant odor, especially if it is infected or necrotic (dead).
- Drainage: The wound may leak pus, blood, or other fluids, especially if it is infected or inflamed.
- Fever: The wound may cause a fever, chills, or other signs of systemic infection, such as increased heart rate, low blood pressure, or confusion. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
How Are Bed Sores Diagnosed?
Bed sores are diagnosed by a physical examination of the skin and the wound. The doctor may also ask about the medical history, the duration and frequency of pressure, the level of mobility, the presence of pain or other symptoms, and the current treatment or prevention methods.
The doctor may also use some tools or tests to assess the wound, such as:
- Wound culture: The doctor may take a sample of the wound tissue or fluid and send it to a laboratory for testing. This can help identify the type and severity of infection and the best antibiotic treatment.
- Blood tests: The doctor may order some blood tests to check for signs of infection, inflammation, anemia, or other conditions that may affect the healing process.
- Imaging tests: The doctor may use some imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to check for bone or joint damage, abscesses, or foreign objects in the wound.
- Wound classification: The doctor may use a standardized system to classify the wound according to its stage, size, depth, and tissue involvement. This can help determine the prognosis and the treatment plan.
How To Cure Bed Sores
How to bed sores more difficult compared to the ways of preventing it. At the early stage, the ulcer, usually gets better by itself after pressure is removed. Maintain health by consuming extra calories and protein can speed healing.
If the skin is injured, it’s best covered with bandages. In order not to cling to the wounds, use bandages are coated in Teflon or contain jelly oil. For deeper ulcers, used bandages containing material that resembles the gelatin, which could help the growth of new skin.
If wounds suffered infections or removing the pus, should be cleaned with soap or use disinfectant liquid (e.g. Povidone–iodine / PVP-I).
The herbal treatment is the way of treatment for the disease is to be found in a variety of medicinal plant that has been processed in such a way that it can be used as medicine. In this day and age, the form of this herbal remedy has also been formed into extracts such as powders, pills, or liquid.
However to note that in the process of manufacture, this herbal remedy has also been exposed to chemicals and can not natural anymore. Then a good understanding of the types of medicinal herbs that we use and medical instructions as well as the side effects which can be caused is also very important.
The treatment of bed sores depends on the stage, size, location, and condition of the wound. The main goals of treatment are to:
Relieve pressure
The first and most important step is to relieve the pressure from the affected area by changing the position frequently, using special mattresses or cushions, or applying dressings or devices that redistribute the pressure.
Make sure you do not press the area for at least 2-3 days. If the redness remains missing, check into the doctor to consider various treatment options.
If it can’t get out of bed or a wheelchair, you must often change the position of the body throughout the day to relieve pressure on the area of pain as well as prevent the formation of bed sores.
Change body position every 2 hours if it is in bed or every 1 hour if it is in a wheelchair. It will eliminate the pressure that was covered in specific areas of the body, thus preventing bed sores becomes more severe.
Clean the wound
The wound should be cleaned regularly with saline or sterile water to remove any dirt, debris, or dead tissue. This can help prevent infection and promote healing.
Dress the wound
The wound should be covered with appropriate dressings that protect the wound, absorb the drainage, maintain a moist environment, and promote healing. The type and frequency of dressing change depend on the stage and condition of the wound.
Choose comfortable clothes.
Wear clothes that are not too tight or loose, both of which can cause friction and irritation. Change clothes every day to make sure the skin is also clean. Wear clothes made from cotton that don’t have thick seams.
Replace the sheets frequently.
For people who can’t get out of bed, lying on a clean bed linens will make sure bacteria did not aggravate the bed sores. The sheets of the bed can also be wet due to sweat and irritate the skin. Change sheets frequently will help eliminate those risks.
Treat the infection
The wound should be checked for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, odor, or drainage. If infection is present, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, either orally or topically, to kill the bacteria and reduce the inflammation.
Debride the wound
The wound may need to be debrided, which means removing the dead or damaged tissue from the wound. This can help improve the blood flow, reduce the risk of infection, and stimulate the growth of new tissue. Debridement can be done by different methods, such as surgical, mechanical, chemical, or biological.
Try to remain active.
Although people who can’t get out of bed or a wheelchair may not be so active, their bodies can still be moved. It will prevent the pressure heaped up on certain areas of the body and also increases blood flow throughout the body. The activity can also improve mental health, which is an important component in maintaining overall health.
Use support surfaces and protective pads.
The key to reducing the risk of bed sores is by reducing the pressure, but on certain body parts. Using special cushions is made of foam or contain air or water can help. With a similar idea, protective pads can be helpful, especially in between the knees or below the head or elbow.
Keep your blood circulation remained fairly.
Most bedsores occur because blood flow to the skin area is insufficient. When the pressure on the skin, blood vessels become obstructed. Keep a good flow of blood by way of drinking lots of water, and often change the position of the body.
Control the pain with ibuprofen.
The consumption of pain reliever medications that can be purchased without a prescription, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce pain. Choose Nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), instead of aspirin, acetaminophen, or opioid.
Surgery
The wound may require surgery in some cases, such as when the wound is very large, deep, or infected, or when the bone or joint is involved. Surgery can help close the wound, remove the necrotic tissue, repair the damaged structures, or graft new skin or tissue to the wound.
Other treatments
The wound may benefit from some other treatments, such as negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, electrical stimulation, or growth factors. These treatments can help enhance the healing process by increasing the blood supply, oxygen delivery, or tissue regeneration.
Home Remedies For Bed Sores
In addition to the medical treatment and prevention, some home remedies can help soothe the pain and inflammation of bed sores and speed up the healing process. However, these remedies should not replace the professional care and should be used with caution and under the guidance of the doctor or nurse. Some of the home remedies are
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties that can help treat bed sores. Honey can be applied directly to the wound or mixed with sugar to form a paste. The wound should be covered with a sterile gauze and changed daily.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera has soothing, moisturizing, and healing effects that can help relieve the pain and inflammation of bed sores. Aloe vera gel can be extracted from the fresh leaves and applied to the wound twice a day. Alternatively, aloe vera juice can be consumed orally to boost the immune system and the skin health.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing of bed sores. Turmeric powder can be sprinkled on the wound or mixed with water to form a paste. The wound should be covered with a clean cloth and changed twice a day.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties that can help protect the skin and heal the wound. Coconut oil can be applied to the wound and massaged gently to improve the blood circulation and the tissue regeneration. The wound should be covered with a bandage and changed daily.
- Comfrey: Comfrey is a herb that has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties that can help treat bed sores. Comfrey leaves can be boiled in water and applied to the wound as a compress. Alternatively, comfrey oil or cream can be applied to the wound and covered with a dressing. The wound should be cleaned and treated daily.
How To Prevent Bed Sores?
The prevention of bed sores is easier and cheaper than the treatment. The best way to prevent bed sores is to avoid or reduce the pressure, friction, shear, and moisture on the skin. Some of the preventive measures are:
- Change position: The position should be changed at least every two hours, or more frequently if needed, to relieve the pressure from the bony areas. The position should be comfortable and supported by pillows or cushions to avoid creating new pressure points.
- Inspect the skin: The skin should be inspected daily for any signs of redness, blister, or sore, especially on the bony areas. Any abnormality should be reported to the doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
- Keep the skin clean and dry: The skin should be cleaned gently with mild soap and water and dried thoroughly. Moisturizers should be applied to keep the skin hydrated and prevent cracking. Any moisture from sweat, urine, or feces should be removed promptly and the skin should be protected with barrier creams or pads.
- Use proper bedding and clothing: The bedding and clothing should be soft, smooth, and breathable to reduce the friction and moisture on the skin. The sheets should be changed regularly and kept free of wrinkles or crumbs. The clothing should be loose and comfortable and avoid seams or buttons that can cause pressure.
- Improve nutrition and hydration: A balanced diet and adequate fluid intake can help improve the skin health and the wound healing. Foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help boost the immune system and the tissue repair. Supplements may be needed in some cases to correct any deficiencies or malnutrition.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can impair the blood circulation and the oxygen delivery to the skin and the wound, slowing down the healing process and increasing the risk of infection and complications. Quitting smoking can improve the skin health and the wound healing, as well as the overall health and well-being.
- Manage other conditions: Any underlying conditions that may affect the skin health and the wound healing, such as diabetes, vascular diseases, infections, or medications, should be managed properly and monitored regularly. The doctor or nurse should be consulted for any changes or concerns.
FAQ About Bed Sores
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about bed sores and their answers:
How long does it take for bed sores to heal?
The healing time of bed sores depends on several factors, such as the stage, size, location, and condition of the wound, the treatment method, the patient’s health status, and the prevention measures.
In general, bed sores can take from weeks to months to heal, or even longer in some cases. The earlier the bed sores are detected and treated, the faster and better they heal.
How can I relieve the pain of bed sores?
The pain of bed sores can be relieved by various methods, such as applying cold or warm compresses, using topical analgesics or numbing agents, taking oral painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, or using alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or massage.
The pain relief method should be chosen according to the patient’s preference, tolerance, and medical condition. The pain should be monitored and reported to the doctor or nurse regularly.
How can I prevent bed sores from getting infected?
The infection of bed sores can be prevented by following some simple steps, such as keeping the wound clean and dry, using sterile dressings and equipment, washing the hands before and after touching the wound, avoiding touching the wound with dirty or contaminated objects, and following the doctor’s or nurse’s instructions on wound care.
The wound should be checked for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, odor, or drainage, and treated promptly if infection is present.
How can I prevent bed sores from recurring?
The recurrence of bed sores can be prevented by maintaining the prevention measures, such as changing the position frequently, inspecting the skin daily, keeping the skin clean and dry, using proper bedding and clothing, improving nutrition and hydration, quitting smoking, and managing other conditions.
The wound should be healed completely and the scar tissue should be protected from further pressure or injury. The patient should follow up with the doctor or nurse regularly and seek help if any problem arises
Bottom Line
Bed sores are a serious and common problem that can affect anyone who is bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or has limited mobility. They can cause pain, discomfort, infection, and complications, and impair the quality of life.
However, bed sores can be cured and prevented by following the proper treatment and prevention methods. By knowing how to cure bed sores and taking good care of the skin and the wound, the patient can achieve faster and better healing and avoid further problems.
Thank you very much for reading How To Cure Bed Sores, hopefully useful.
