Treating Bed Sores

Bedsore (also known as pressure sore) is caused when continuous pressure is exerted on a particular area, thereby leading to less blood supply at that place. Due to the constant pressure, an open sore develops at the site.

Causes of bed sores

A bedsore develops in the people who are confined to bed or chair. People who smoke can also develop them as smoking reduces the blood flow to the body parts. Also, the person having high fever can develop them as the heat on the side of their laying on the bed can make the area very hot. Elderly people are mostly prone to develop this condition as they cannot move much and also cannot keep their skin in good condition.

Location

Bedsore usually occurs on some bony prominence. The main locations for bed sores are buttocks, hips, along the spine in the lower back and on the heels.

Treatment

As one grows old, the skin becomes thin, dry and less elastic. So any constant pressure on it can cause damage. If these sores are not treated properly they can cause other skin problems in the surrounding areas too.

Treatment and prevention of bed sores is hard and they take much time to heal up. If not treated on time they can go deep and extend till the muscle. When one develops a bed sore then the position of the person should be changed frequently. Like if the person is lying on the sides where there is a sore then change the side and keep on doing it at frequent intervals.

Clean the sore at least twice daily. Apply some medicated ointment on the area. Do not let the water to come in contact with other body parts. Keep the area neat and clean.

Special mattresses are available in the market for bed-ridden patients. Give the person protein rich diet as it helps to heal the bedsore. Any thing by which your skin does not get proper nourishment can cause the bed sores to prolong unnecessarily.