#Health_Tip #Bed_Sores Bed sores commonly known as pressure sores, skin ulcers or decubitus are cuts, lesions or swelling caused due to prolonged pressure on any part of body and usually affect parts of the body over bony areas. Bed sores commonly occur among handicapped, disabled, paralyzed or bed ridden patients as they are unable to change their position frequently and continuous pressure on specific parts of body lead to bed sores. Bed sores can be treated effectively if found early but can become a life threatening disease as it cuts off blood circulation to parts of the body. Bed sores commonly occur around the buttocks, heels, lower back and the hip bone area among bed ridden individuals while spine, ankles, knees, head , shoulders are also susceptible to pressure sores depending on the fixed position of the patient. Stage I The skin remains intact, even in the initial stages In case of lighter skin color, the skin appears darker and does not lighten briefly (blanch) when it is touched In case of darker skin, no changes in the actual skin color, but the appearance of bluish or purple spots Pain, softness, tenderness and change in temperature around the skin Stage II Ulcers or open wounds Loss or damage in the underlying layer of the dermis as well as the epidermis Appearance of pinkish, shallow and basin-like wounds Ruptured fluid-filled blisters on the skin Stage III Development of deep wound at the site of the ulcer Skin loss, with exposure of fat Crater-like ulcers appearing on the skin Appearance Remedies for Bed Sores It is much easier to prevent bed sores than it is to treat them. However, this does not mean that bed sores cannot be cured or that they can always be prevented. There are several options that you can opt for, which include medical procedures as well as home remedies. Cleaning the Wound: A wound that has not been cleaned properly is prone to infections and inflammation. You could use some fresh water, with mild soap to treat the bed sores. In case of open sores, you need to use saltwater (saline solution) to clean the wound a couple of times a day. Dressing the Wound: You can expedite the healing process by keeping the wound moist and dressing it appropriately. A proper dressing protects the wounds from infections too and keeps the surrounding area dry. There is a huge variety of dressings that you can opt for, like gauzes, gels foams, treated bandages and films. At times, you may be advised to use a combination of dressings for best results. Exercising: This may be a huge challenge for those who are confined to a bed or a wheelchair. However, there are many exercise disciplines that are planned and crafted, keeping in mind the specific needs and capabilities of the patient. Practicing Healthy Habits: There are some habits, like smoking, that affect the circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Therefore, in order to avoid bed sores, it is best to quit such unhealthy habits. Protecting Bony Areas: In order to expedite the healing process, it is important to use some sort of cushioning on the bony area. A soft mattress or an air mattress can help prevent and heal bed sores faster. Herbs: There are certain herbs that can be applied directly on to the wound, to help them heal faster. Some of the most widely recommended herbs for this purpose include witch hazel, goldenseal, turmeric root, myrrh and comfrey.
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 09:41:24 +0000
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