People who are bedridden are at risk of developing bedsores, otherwise known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers. A bedsore is an area of your skin that breaks down due to persistent pressure from your mattress, chair or other means. Bedsores are diagnosed in terms of stages, according to the National Institutes of Health. Stage 1 is a minor condition; Stage IV can be very serious, leading to tendon and bone damage. There are several homemade remedies that you can try to minimize the damage from bedsores.
Step 1
Keep your bedsores clean to aid in healing. The Mayo Clinic states that a Stage I sore that is not an open wound, but a reddened area, can be washed with soap and water. Stage II and above are open ulcerations and should be cleaned with a sterile saline solution and bandaged with gauze. Sterile saline is available at most pharmacies.
Step 2
Remedy your pressure ulcers naturally with honey. The New Zealand Dermatological Society explains that honey provides a seal between the wound and the air, which can inhibit the growth of organisms. The contact between the honey and the wound creates an antibacterial property similar to hydrogen peroxide. Apply honey to a gauze or occlusive dressing and then cover the bedsore to promote healing. If the sore is cratered out or deep, add some additional honey to the wound bed before dressing the area.
Step 3
Fight bedsores from the inside out. According to the Mayo Clinic, both zinc and vitamin C may help you heal more quickly. Boost your consumption of fresh produce, especially citrus fruits, to maximize your intake of vitamin C. Ask your doctor if he advises a zinc supplement.
Step 4
Use pillows and cushions from your bedroom and around your house to offset the pressure that is causing the ulcers. Propping the affected body parts on pillows can relieve pressure from your mattress or other furniture that created the wounds and can offer some air circulation as well. Your medical care provider may suggest specialized equipment that can support alternative positions to prevent future bedsores.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Saline solution
- Honey
- Gauze bandages
- Citrus fruits
- Zinc supplements
- Pillows
Member Comments