Bed sores are parts of the skin and tissue that are damaged by the lack of adequate blood circulation on different parts of the body. The inadequate blood circulation is caused by the pressure on the body from staying in one position for long periods of time. Bed sores are also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers. Bed sores usually develop in individuals who are bedridden, paralyzed or bound to a wheelchair.
Bed sores usually start out as a red patch of skin that is slightly itchy and painful. It can worsen and become an open wound that reaches the tissues underneath the skin. At its most advanced stage, bed sores can affect the muscles and bones underneath the skin. If left untreated, bed sores can lead to more serious complications like infections of the bone and joint, cellulitis, sepsis and even cancer in some cases.
- Home Remedies
- Other Remedies
- Diet
Home Remedies for Bed Sores
Aloe Vera as a Cure for Bed Sores
Properties: Aloe Vera is a leaf filled with a clear gel that has been used for healing different types of skin problems since ancient times. It is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C and choline. Aloe Vera is also rich in calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, potassium and other minerals that help speed up the healing of bed sores. It is a well-known and effective skin salve for treating all types of sores, including bed sores. Aloe Vera heals bed sores by dilating the capillaries and improving the circulation of blood.
Cure Bed Sores Using Aloe Vera:
Apply Aloe Vera directly on the area of the skin affected with bed sores to promote healing. Aloe Vera is also available as a topical application in gel or cream form.
Treat Bed Sores With Calendula
Properties: Calendula is a natural remedy for bed sores. It is a medicinal herb that is also known as pot marigold and has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It is an effective remedy for skin problems where there is tissue degeneration which is the case in bed sores. Calendula promotes the regeneration and healing of the skin that is affected by bed sores. In addition to the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula, it also has an excellent vulnerary property which means it prevents the tissues from wasting away while stopping further bleeding at the same time. Calendula is a great natural remedy for wounds that take a long time to heal like bed sores
Calendula as a Treatment for Bed Sores:
Apply calendula directly on the affected areas that have been cleansed beforehand. Calendula is also available in cream form.
Heal Bed Sores With Honey
Properties: Honey is not only a sweetener but it is also an excellent home remedy for bed sores because of its antibacterial properties. It is made up of glucose and fructose in addition to minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, sulfur and phosphate. Honey promotes the healing of wounds like bed sores because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. It is rich in phytochemicals that eliminate bacteria, viruses and fungi. Honey is an all-natural antiseptic that prevents wounds from getting infected and speeds up healing. It is also effective in drawing out infection and allowing tissues to regenerate.
Honey as a Cure for Bed Sores:
Honey can be applied by itself on bed sores. It can also be used together with sugar to make a poultice that can be applied on bed sores to draw out infection.
Turmeric as a Natural Remedy for Bed Sores
Properties: Turmeric is one of the natural remedies for bed sores. It is a plant root that is related to ginger. Turmeric is mainly used as a food coloring and is a major ingredient of curry powder. Aside from its use in cooking, turmeric is also a natural remedy for bed sores. It has excellent medicinal properties that help fight off infection and prevent inflammation. It is also beneficial for people suffering from digestive problems, liver problems and even cancer. Turmeric contains curcumin which is an excellent antioxidant. The curcumin found in the turmeric root also reduces the inflammation of bed sores by reducing levels of inflammation-causing enzymes in the body.
Home Remedy for Bed Sores With The Use Of Turmeric:
Wash the bed sores with a solution made out of water and turmeric. Afterwards, thoroughly dry the affected areas with a soft cloth.
Comfrey Leaves as a Natural Remedy for Bed Sores
Properties: Comfrey leaves have been used for a long time as a cure for different kinds of wounds including bed sores. It has a powerful ingredient called allantoin which speeds up the healing process of bed sores and closes the wounds faster. Comfrey leaves are considered as one of the best home remedies for bed sores because when they are applied to a wound, they make the open wound contract and close. The sooner the wounds of the bed sores close, the less likely it is that infection will set in. Aside from allantoin, comfrey leaves also contain tannins, steroidal saponins, insulin, protein, vitamin B12, zinc and Carotene.
A Natural Remedy for Bed Sores Using Comfrey Leaves:
Mix equal parts of powdered comfrey leaves and slippery elm to make a paste. Apply the paste onto the bed sores and cover with a piece of clean cloth. For best results, let the comfrey paste stay overnight on the bed sores.
Echinacea Powder as a Cure for Bed Sores
Properties: Echinacea powder is derived from the Echinacea plant that was first discovered by the Indian settlers. It is a very effective blood purifier and antibiotic. Echinacea powder is composed of polysaccharides, iron, protein, tannins, copper, vitamins A, C, E and iron among many others. The antibacterial properties of the Echinacea powder are very effective as a treatment for different types of skin conditions like bed sores.
Natural Remedy for Bed Sores Using Echinacea Powder:
Echinacea powder is used to disinfect bed sores. Sprinkle the bed sores with a thin coat of Echinacea powder and cover with gauze or a thin piece of cloth.
Wheat Germ Oil as a Treatment for Bed Sores
Properties: Wheat germ oil is made from the kernel of the wheat grain. It is used as an ingredient for making salad dressings and as a flavor enhancer for pasta dishes. It is not only great for cooking but it is also known as one of the most effective home remedies for bed sores. Wheat germ oil promotes the healthy circulation of the blood in the skin which in turn promotes the healing of wounds, ulcers and bed sores. It also promotes the regeneration of damaged skin cells.
Natural Remedy for Bed Sores Using Wheat Germ Oil:
Wheat germ oil can be applied directly to bed sores in its pure form. Creams made out of wheat germ oil can also be used to promote the healing of bed sores.
Zinc Oxide as a Home Remedy for Bed Sores
Properties:Zinc oxide is one of the most commonly used home remedies for bed sores. It is usually used to protect the skin from sunburn. Zinc oxide ointment is usually applied by surfers to the bridge of their noses to prevent sunburn. It is a very effective treatment for different types of skin conditions including bed sores. Zinc oxide reduces inflammation, removes toxins from the bed sores and promotes the healing of the wound. It has both astringent and antiseptic properties. Zinc oxide comes in cream and ointment form.
Home Remedies for Bed Sores Using Zinc Oxide:
Apply the zinc oxide ointment or cream generously on the bed sores. Do not cover with a bandage or gauze. Leave the bed sores uncovered after every application of zinc oxide cream or ointment..
Other Home Remedies for Bed Sores:
Antiseptic powder is a simple home remedy for bed sores. Apply a light coat of antiseptic powder over the bed sores. Repeat the application of antiseptic powder every 5 hours.
A mixture of witch hazel and turmeric root is one effective natural remedy for bed sores. Use the mixture to bathe the bed sores as often as four times a day.
Use a disinfectant such as a saline solution as a home remedy for bed sores. Cleanse the bed sores with the saline solution as often as possible. Thoroughly dry the affected areas after washing with the saline solution.
Apply vitamin E oil on the bed sores as well as the surrounding areas to promote healing and improve the overall health of the skin.
Diet for Bed Sores:
Eat a diet that consists mostly of foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and zinc.
It is best to avoid eating meat as much as possible when suffering from bed sores.
Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fiber.
Drink plenty of water, as much as 8 to 10 glasses a day, to prevent bed sores.