Most of us will not develop a pressure ulcer from sitting in one position through a two-hour movie. However, people who are malnourished, ill or bed-ridden can get these uncomfortable wounds -- nicknamed bed sores -- from even 30 minutes of pressure in one position. Vitamins are frequently employed to ramp up healing time for skin wounds. After all, micronutrients help the body heal and form new tissues. The use of vitamin A with pressure ulcers can be tricky.
Step 1
Consider taking a multivitamin daily. Choose a trusted brand that contains no more than 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin A, as too much vitamin A, which is fat-soluble, is as harmful as not enough. The most bio-available form of vitamin A is beta-carotene -- the body can use this form of vitamin A more quickly. Vitamin A intake is vital to helping the body create new soft tissue and skin, which will help fill in pressure ulcers.
Step 2
Eat more foods containing vitamin A, and aim for a healthy, balanced diet. Skin-breakdown problems, such as pressure ulcers, might stem from dietary deficiencies of many kinds. Vitamin A is widely available in both animal and plant-based foods -- so getting enough through diet alone is not challenging if you eat a variety of foods. Fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, meat and eggs are all good sources of vitamin A.
Step 3
Use caution with vitamin A in two ways. One, don't apply vitamin A creams, such as topical retinol-type creams, to pressure ulcers. Retinol is used on acne scars because it gently debrides the top layer of skin -- not something you want to do with a pressure ulcer, which can lead to infection. Secondly, be cautious with your vitamin A supplements if you are on oral antibiotics to help heal a pressure ulcer. Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, have the potential for dangerous interactions with large supplements of vitamin A. Medline Plus says a safe daily amount of vitamin A is 2,600 international units, or IU, for healthy adults over 19 years old.
Tips and Warnings
- You can get about half of your daily vitamin A needs from a diet including five servings of fruits and vegetables.
- Always discuss over-the-counter supplements with a physician prior to taking them.
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