Pressure ulcers or pressure sores are the more accurate names of bedsores, the Mayo Clinic reports. They are called bedsores by the general population largely because they most often occur in people who are bedridden, meaning they must---for medical reasons---remain in bed most of the time. These sores occur when not enough blood reaches portions of your body---usually your heels, hips and buttocks---because of the pressure of remaining in the same position.
Changing Positions
Because bedsores are caused by the pressure on particular parts of your body from lying in one position for a long time, the most obvious treatment is moving. Those who can move on their own should make what movements they can to change position approximately at two-hour intervals while in bed, or at 15-minute intervals in wheelchairs. Those who cannot move by themselves should be moved by caregivers---medical professionals or family members---at the same intervals. While this can prevent bedsores, it also can help existing ones heal by relieving the pressure that prevents blood from reaching portions of your body.
Supports
There also are support surfaces that include beds, mattresses, pads and cushions designed to pad your most vulnerable areas from getting bedsores. They also may relieve the pressure on sores already in existence by padding this pressure.
Cleaning
Because bedsores, like any other open wound, can become infected---which causes even more problems---clean the areas effectively. The Mayo Clinic recommends against using iodine or hydrogen peroxide because healing of bedsores may be delayed by these substances. For bedsores that are not yet open, use mild soap and water. For already open wounds, use saline or salt water.
Debridement
Blood does not go to the areas affected by bedsores correctly. This leads to death of the tissues where the wounds are located. Healing will occur faster if the dead tissue is removed. This process is called debridement. It can be painful when done through surgery, so other methods typically are used. For example, enzymatic debridement is performed by placing enzymes on the affected area that remove the appropriate material. Another method is called mechanical debridement, which involves using an irrigation device at high pressure.
Surgery
Surgical repair also may be needed as part of treatment if your bedsores are severe. Surgery is the most effective way to prevent the possibility of cancer occurring later in your life. Essentially, surgery repairs the damage---after the dead material is removed---by using tissues such as skin or muscle to cover the wound. This procedure, called flap reconstruction, also may act as a cushion for the bone in the wound area,
