Find a Home Remedy for Pressure Ulcers

What is a pressure ulcer?

Known medically as decubitus ulcers, bedsores or pressure ulcers are formed when the skin is damaged due to the weight of the body. They are lesions caused by continuous extended pressure on the skin and happen especially over an area of bony prominence. The constant pressure on the skin affects the blood circulation in the area causing the wound to occur. Pressure ulcers occur most commonly at bony prominences like the elbow, heels, hips, ankles, shoulders, back, and the back of the head. A pressure ulcer generally starts as a red spot that gets progressively worse, forming a blister and then an open sore and finally a crater. People who are bed ridden are most susceptible to pressure ulcers as are people who spend most of their time in wheelchairs. When it comes to treating bedsores, prevention is better than treatment.

Conventional Home Remedies

Patients need to be moved frequently and their posture changed depending on the areas of pressure and it must be ensured that they get fresh air and light. The bed linen must be soft and clean. They must be given daily baths with gentle soaps containing vitamin E and aloe vera. Anyone who is at risk of developing pressure ulcers must have a systematic skin inspection every day with particular focus on the bony points. The skin must be cleaned at regular time intervals. It is best to avoid using hot water. The cleansing agent that is used must be mild and the cleaning process must be done in a gentle manner (USDHHS, 1992). There must be no massaging over bony prominences. The skin must be kept dry and if needed, underpads or briefs made of absorbent material may be used for this purpose. During positioning, transferring and turning of the patient, care must be taken to avoid injury to the skin due to friction or force (USDHHS, 1992). Periodic cold compresses may be used to stimulate sore areas (Goldberg et al, 2002).

Special Dressings

Lubricants such as corn starch and creams, protective films such as transparent film dressings and skin sealants and protective dressings such as hydrocolloids and protective padding can be an effective home remedy for pressure ulcers. Once it is believed that a pressure sore may be developing at a particular spot, steps must be taken to relieve the pressure on that part of the body and keep it clean and dry. Clean foam underlays may help reduce the pressure at the region. If the sores get worse, then, absorbent foam-like bandages may be used and changed frequently. Special dressings with water based suspension may also be used to treat the pressure ulcers (Zand et al, 1999).

Local Applications

Topical antibiotic ointment may be applied to prevent infection. If the area is moist, topical zinc oxide ointment can help to dry the sore out. If the wound is closed, aloe vera in ointment, gel or cream form can be used to treat the sores. Also, topical application of calendula cream is smoothening and healing to wounds. Goldenseal is a natural antiseptic and the contents of three capsules of goldenseal (500 mg) may be mixed with 800 international units of vitamin E to form a paste and applied to the affected area thrice daily (Zand et al, 1999). Rescue Remedy Cream, which is a flower essence, may be used as a remedy if the skin of the ulcer is unbroken (Goldberg et al, 2002). One of the simplest remedies is to wash the open wound with calendula succus (juice of the marigold flower) and then cover it with zinc oxide. According to Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O, local application of raw honey or granulated sugar paste to open pressure ulcers is an effective home remedy for pressure ulcers (Goldberg et al, 2002).

Diet and Nutrition

The patient must be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and include plenty of fiber in the diet to keep the colon clean. Fresh fruits and vegetables and juices can provide the essential vitamins for healing of pressure ulcers (Goldberg et al, 2002). Studies show that people with bed sores are often deficient in one or more basic nutrients. It is best to take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement daily. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory and important for the health of the skin and blood vessels. According to a study reported in the BMJ (British Medical Journal), bedridden patients with bedsores had significantly lower levels of vitamin C in their blood. It is best to consume 500 mg of vitamin C and an equal amount of bioflavonoids thrice daily (Zand et al, 1999). Intake of zinc supplements support the immune system and promotes wound healing. Other supplements include vitamin E, vitamin A, beta carotene, copper, vitamin B Complex, vitamin D and proteins (Goldberg et al, 2002). If supplementary vitamins are not effective, pancreatic enzymes may be taken between meals for one week along with bioflavonoids and vitamin C. Herbs such as comfrey root powder, echinacea powder, myrrh gum, pau d’arco and slippery elm powder are effective home remedies for pressure ulcers (Goldberg et al, 2002).

References

USDHHS (United States Department of Health and Human Services) (19992). Pressure Ulcers in Adults: Prediction & Prevention. DIANE Publishing

Zand, J., Spreen, A. N. and LaValle, J.B. (1999). Smart Medicine for Healthier Living: A Practical A-To-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults. Avery Publishers

Goldberg, B., Trivieri, L. and Anderson, J. W. (2002). Alternative medicine: the definitive guide. Celestial Arts Publishing.

Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.