Do you have a stubborn bed sore wound that is not healing? Well, there are many products you may have at home that you can easily use. Let’s give you an overview of a bed sore, the healing process involved, and seven easy home remedies that may heal this annoying bed sore.
Bed Sores 101
Bed sores are very common in the elderly population, we see them often in patients who are bed bound or in wheelchairs. They are also named pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers; they get this name because they appear due to prolonged pressure in any part of the body. The most common parts we can see the sores are: heels, head, shoulders, lower back and buttcloks. Common bed sore symptoms include, swelling, pain, discoloration of the skin and pus like draining.
It is important if the individual has lost sensation in the area, to be verified regularly to make sure they do not have an ulcer growing.
Let’s learn the stages of a bedsore wound
Pressure ulcers are divided into four stages of formation:
First stage – is the formation of the ulcer usually the skin turns red and it starts to burn.
Second stage – the sore can begin to open and pain is more intense.
Third stage – the ulcer becomes deep and forms a cavity this is extremely painful.
Fourth stage – a big lesson is formed and can include the involvement of tendons, the risk of developing an infection at this stage is high.
Seven Easy Home Remedies
Honey
Honey is used for a variety or things from colds to wounds. It is an antiseptic, helps with pain and aids in wound healing. Honey is mixed with sugar, it is important to have equal parts of both, then it can be applied on the ulcer and it should be covered. Make sure not to rub this on the wound as it is also used as a body scrub. If you don’t have honey laying around the house, medical grade is commonly used and available at drug stores.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used to help wounds heal and reduce scarring. This miracle plant helps with pain, swelling and it has antibacterial properties. Use the fresh gel from the plant and apply to the ulcer directly, it is recommended to do this 3 times a day. Since it is a gel base it does not need to be covered, the body will absorb it.
Saline Water
Saline water is mostly used to rinse the wound to keep the area clean and to avoid infections. Boil water and add salt, let it cool and clean the ulcer this can be done twice daily. This mixture can also be found over-the-counter in the pharmacy.
Turmeric Topical (Curcumin)
Turmeric is a spice that gets its name from the plant it originated from. This spice is used as a natural remedy to treat many inflammatory conditions like arthritis, plus it also has antioxidant, radical scavenger, and antimicrobial characteristics. This can be taken orally as a supplement to help in wound healing. However, the powder can be applied to the affected area and covered with bandages to aid in healing.
Calendula Topical
Calendula is a plant based supplement; the plant produces a flower, and this is what is used as a supplement. It is known to be involved in helping in tissue growth and decrease inflammation. Natural herb that increases blood flow to the wound site, thereby providing the oxygen and nutrients essential to tissue regeneration, which can reduce scarring. Calendula also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it useful in healing wounds. Calendula cream is now often found at major drug store chains.
Baby powder
As the name suggests it has been used in babies to keep them dry. Baby powder can be used in sores as well to keep them dry and thereby avoid infections. Clean the affected wound areas with a mild disinfectant and then lightly sprinkle baby powder to completely cover the wound. The baby powder will help absorb the moisture that is present which promotes wound healing acceleration.
WoundVite Capsule
WoundVite, is very popular over-the-counter supplement that promotes wound healing and improves recovery time. The easy to swallow capsule contains key high potency supplements, minerals, and herbs to help with different stages of wound healing. Some of the major ingredients include, bromelain, vitamin C, vitamin B12, l-arginine and l-glutamine. This supplement can be taken once daily with a full glass of water.
Extra Tips to Ensure Success
- Reduce or stop caffeine intake while the bedsore is healing
- Reduce or stop alcohol consumption while the bedsore is healing
- Reduce or stop cigarette smoking while the bedsore is healing
- Maintain proper hand washing and hygiene techniques when caring for the bed sore wound
- Eat a well balanced diet and avoid unhealthy processed foods
- Increase fiber and protein intake
Take away message
Healing a bedsore can be quite challenging. It’s critical to start treatment early to prevent it from getting worse. Luckily, there are many easy at home remedies that you can try first. Play close attention to how the bed sore is healing and if it’s not reacting well to these home remedies, be sure to speak to your physician and get a professional opinion. A well balanced diet and hydration are super important to optimize healing. Therefore using a product such as WoundVite as adjuvant therapy may accelerate healing time and prove to be very beneficial too.
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