Home Remedies for Bed Sores
Bedsores also known as Pressure ulcers, are areas of damaged
skin caused by staying in one position for too long. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and
tailbone. You are at risk if you are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are unable to change your position. Pressure sores can cause serious infections, some of which
are life-threatening. They can be a problem for people in nursing homes.
Bedsores are treatable, but, if treatment comes too late, they can lead to fatal complications.
Symptoms of Bed Sores:
Each stage of a decubitus ulcer has different symptoms. Depending on the stage, you may have any of the following:
Skin discoloration
Pain in the affected area
Infection
Open skin
Skin that doesn’t lighten to the touch
Skin that’s softer or firmer than the surrounding skin
Effective Home Remedies
Honey:
Honey has natural antiseptic properties and can also soothe the skin where there are mild bed sores. It can provide relief from pain, reduce itching and promote
healing. Honey can also reduce the risk of infection.
How to used:
Prepare a thick mixture with equal amounts of honey and sugar. Apply this
mixture to the affected body area and cover it with a clean bandage. Follow this treatment once daily.
Spread honey over a large banana leaf. Lie down on this banana leaf for a few
hours. Repeat daily.
Turmeric:
Turmeric accelerates the healing process of bed sores. It also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties that help your body deal with the
symptoms and fight infection.
How to used:
Clean the affected area with sterile water or a saline solution. Sprinkle enough
turmeric powder to cover the wound. Cover the area with a clean bandage. Repeat 3 times daily for quick healing.
You can also drink warm turmeric milk 2 times daily.
Aloe Vera:
Due to its healing and soothing properties, aloe vera Aloe vera can be used to control infection in bed sores and can also promote healing. Plus, it keeps the
affected skin moisturized, which ensures quick recovery.
How to used:
Cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel.
Apply this gel on the affected area and rub gently for a few minutes.
Allow it to dry on its own, then wipe it off with a clean damp cloth. Repeat 3
times a day.
You can use aloe vera gel powder, cream or ointment to help promote healing.
Coconut Oil:
Being rich in medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil can keep your skin healthy and protect it from damage caused by pressure sores. Plus, massaging it onto your
body will improve blood circulation.
How to used:
Smear some warm coconut oil all over your legs, limbs and back.
Gently massage until the oil penetrates deep into the skin.
Apply 3 or 4 times daily to heal the sores and prevent new sores from
appearing.
Useful Tips
Change positions often. Whether you are in a chair or in bed, always try to move
around so you decrease the pressure on your skin.
If you are in a wheelchair, shift your weight to the other side every 15 minutes
or if you can, try lifting yourself up in the chair on both arms.
A thin layer of corn starch on the sheets will help to reduce friction.
Get a chair cushion that fits your body's shape better. There are cushions that
can reduce pressure on certain areas of the body. Sit on a foam or gel seat cushion that fits your wheelchair. Do NOT sit on donut-shaped cushions.