Bed sores is a very common problem faced by many elderly or senior citizens of the world. But this condition it is not restricted to an old person. It can affect people who are bed-ridden, in a coma or immobile due to any reason. Lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair for a continuous period of time cuts off the blood supply to the skin causing a severe bed sores. Daily pressure on the same part of the skin for minimal time period is good enough to start off this aggravating sore.

It is very common in people who are hospitalized, in nursing homes or being treated at home. In the initial stages the bed sore is red in color with terrible pain and finally turns purple. If it is not treated properly the sore breaks open to cause infection. Further complications can take place if starts infecting the bone and other muscle areas. Common areas of infection are hip, spine, lower back, elbows, heels, buttocks and shoulder blades.

Common Reasons for Bed Sores

Shearing and Friction

If a bedridden person is pulled or dragged from his or her bed it causes friction and stretches the skin muscles. Blood circulation of the skin gets marred which causes the damage.

Moisture

Skin is very sensitive at this stage. Perspiration, bed-wetting or feces leads to furthermore chances of bed sores.

Lack of Movement

People, who have been bedridden for a prolonged period of time due to severe medical conditions, bear the brunt. Being in a same position without any movement is one of the main reasons for bed sores.

Lack of Nutrition

A good diet can help you fight this condition easily. Due to lack of proteins, vitamins and other required substances in the body, the patient suffers moreover.

Age

An elderly person is mainly affected because youth is not on his side. The thin skin and failing bodily functions deteriorates the chances of revival.

Lack of Sensation

An injury which leaves you without sensation is another reason for bed sores. This lack of sensation does not allow you to determine the immensity of the pressure applied on the skin.

Preventive Measures

To enhance circulation provide skin massages if possible.

Always keep the skin dry because moisture is disastrous for the skin.

Apply vitamin E oil all over the body.

A rich and healthy diet of vitamins like A, B, C, E and zinc is very important.

Avoid meat and include fiber in your diet.

Home Remedies for Bed Sores

Pouring sugar and honey poultice on the wound, it removes the poison from the wound.

You can also apply zinc oxide ointment, aloe vera, wheat germ oil or comfrey.

Mix powdered comfrey leaves and slippery elm in equal parts to make a paste. Put this paste on piece of cloth and tie it to the sore overnight. To disinfect the area you can sprinkle goldenseal or echinacea powder. Later cover it with cotton.

You can wash the sores at least 2-4 times a day by making a concoction of witch hazel and myrrh/turmeric root/goldenseal.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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