Best Home Remedies for Pressure Ulcer Pain

Best Home Remedies for Pressure Ulcer Pain
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What are Pressure Ulcers?

Pressure ulcers are formed when a person stays seated or lying down in the same position for far too long. The increased pressure to the area of the body causes the skin tissues break down. These are commonly known as bed sores, as they are seen frequently in patients that are bed ridden or confined to a wheelchair. It does not take very long for these lesions to form, and they can be hard to treat. Pressure ulcers are categorized into four stages, depending on the severity of the condition. An effective home remedy for pressure ulcers can generally be found for those in the first couple stages.

Stages of Pressure Ulcers

The following are the various categories in which pressure ulcers fall.

Stage I

In the beginning, a bed sore will be a red area of skin that has had a great deal of pressure applied to it for several hours and days. The touch of the skin will spongy or firm. The person suffered from the pressure ulcer will claim that the area is itchy or painful.

Stage II

The affected skin begins to form blisters in this stage. The area may resemble bad sunburn, as the area around the blisters will continue to look red and irritated.

Stage III

The skin in and around the affected area has begun to deteriorate, leaving a large, crate-looking wound in the center. The epidermis, as well as the dermis, has been affected at this point.

Stage IV

This is the worst stage of pressure ulcers. A great deal of skin has been damaged as well as lost. There is also likely damage to the joints, tendons, bones, and muscles in the area.

Home Remedies for Pressure Ulcers

You can use a home remedy for pressure ulcers that are still classified as Stage I or II. Stage III and IV sores will typically need surgery, or at the least, medical intervention, in order to be cured. The following are a number of remedies that you can use to get rid of the sores.

  • Changing your position often will help to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with pressure ulcers. Create a schedule for re-positioning that will lighten the pressure to certain areas of the body. If you are in a wheelchair, try to shift your weight every thirty minutes. For bed ridden patients, moving every 1-2 hours is usually sufficient.
  • Salt water helps to remove the dead skin around the affected around. It is a great home remedy for pressure ulcers because it assists with the healing process. Rinse the area with the warm salt water before each washing.
  • Mild soap and water provide the cleanliness needed for pressure ulcers to heal correctly. Washing the affected area twice daily will help prevent infection, and allow the patent to get rid of the bed sores.
  • Zinc is a mineral that can help with the healing of open wounds including pressure ulcers. A healthy diet can give you a good amount of the nutrient, but supplements are often recommended for those currently sporting a large wound such as a Stage II bed sore.

Sources

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007071.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedsores/DS00570