A bed sore is a type of skin injury that occurs when one is exposed to constant pressure over a period of time. This usually happens when one lies or sits in one position for an extended period of time. The applied pressure cuts off blood circulation to the affected skin so that over a period of time, the skin disintegrates and forms a sore. These sores are also referred to as pressure sores, and vary in severity. Mild cases of the sores cause reddening of the skin, while in extreme cases, the sores are so deep that they expose the bone beneath.

comfrey

Other symptoms of these sores include skin discoloration, an itching sensation, searing pain at the site of the sores and tearing of the affected skin. Bed sores tend to form over bony areas such as the heels, the hips and lower back. They may also form in places where medical tubing and equipment exerts pressure on the surrounding skin. More importantly, some conditions such as diabetes may predispose patients to the formation of the sores.

Health conditions which restrict mobility also make it easy for the body to develop bed sores. Since bed cores can form pretty quickly, and may pose challenges in recovery, you are advised to seek professional medical help even with the use of the suggested natural remedies below. Additionally, hygiene must be observed if the combination of medical intervention and natural remedies is to work effectively.

1. Alter Positions:

Time Required: 10 Min every hour.
What You Need: A trapeze bar or linen bedding.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Bed sores, as mentioned above, are the result of pressure applied on the skin for a considerable length of time. One of the simplest and most effective ways to deal with this is to ensure that the affected person shifts their position every so often. This helps to re-distrubute the weight and even reduce the pressure on already existing bed sores.

A trapeze bar is one of the ways of doing this, and this works for those who have physical strength in their upper body. The linen bedding on the other hand, is recommended for those in a sleeping position. The reason for the latter is that it significantly reduces the possibility of additional friction which causes pain on the skin.

Directions:

  1. If you have strength in your upper body, haul yourself upwards every few hours. You may use a trapeze bar or an equivalent to assist you.
  2. Patients in sleeping position or those in a coma ought to be changed positions with the help of the bedding.
  3. For those in wheelchairs, it helps to alter one’s sitting position at least once every hour.

 

2. Honey:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1/4 Cup of raw organic honey, 1/4 cup of sugar, cotton wool and a clean bandage. Large banana leaf (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Honey is recommended for the treatment of mild bed sores, thanks to its natural antiseptic properties. The application of honey reduces the chances of infection, and also helps soothe the affected skin. Overall, the honey enhances the speedy healing of the sores and reduces the pain. Sugar is added to compliment the role of honey.

The large banana leaf on the other hand, is most practical from those whose sores developed from lying in one position for a long time as it provides ample space to lie flat on. The leaf also tends to be pretty cool which works like magic in relieving the pain of the sores.

Directions:

  1. Mix the honey and sugar to create a thick consistent paste.
  2. Using cotton wool, apply the paste onto the bed sores, taking care not to apply too much pressure.
  3. Cover the sores with a clean bandage and leave on for a couple of hours.
  4. Repeat this at least twice daily.
  5. Alternatively, create a thin layer of the paste on the banana leaf and proceed to lie on it, making sure the sores are in contact with the paste.
  6. Use this twice daily for speedy healing.

 

3. Warm Saline Water:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Tablespoon of salt, 1 cup of water, sterile cotton wool and bandage.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Warm saline water is made by dissolving salt in warm water to get a cleansing solution that helps keep infections at bay. It is known that failure to clean bed sores well predisposes the patient to severe infections and inflammation. In addition to its cleansing action, salt also has the advantage of drawing the excess moisture out, a process which helps get rid of tissue debris and dead skin cells.

Directions:

  1. Dissolve the salt in the warm water and stir to dissolve.
  2. Warm the mixture so that it is just about right for applying on the bed sores.
  3. Soak the cotton wool in the warm solution and dab gently on the bed sores.
  4. Discard the used cotton wool for each sore to avoid re-infection.
  5. Allow the skin to dry well before placing the bandage to cover the open skin.
  6.  Use this remedy at least thrice daily to speed up the healing process.

 

4. Aloe Vera Gel:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Freshly cut aloe vera leaf, sharp knife, cotton wool and a clean moist towel.
 Difficulty: Easy

 

Aloe vera gel is a popular remedy for an array of skin conditions, thanks to its healing properties. The cool nature of the gel also soothes the sores and provides much-needed relief from the pain. In addition, the gel’s excellent moisturizing properties help ensure that the skin does not dry and break, thus ensuring quick healing. In the absence of gel from the freshly cut leaf, you may use aloe vera gel powder or ointment.

Directions:

  1. Slice the aloe vera leaf using a sharp knife to create defined edges that allow you to collect as much gel as is present.
  2. Tap the gel in a shallow bowl before soaking the cotton wool in it.
  3. Dab the gel-filled cotton wool on each of the sores, making sure that you do not re-use the wool for different sores.
  4. Rub gently and avoid exerting pressure as this adds to the pain and inflammation at the site of the sores.
  5. Allow the skin to air dry before wiping it with the clean towel.
  6. Use this remedy thrice daily for best results.

 

5. Turmeric:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1 Tablespoon of turmeric powder (or more depending on the extent of bed sores development), sterile saline solution and a clean bandage.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Turmeric is not only a popular kitchen spice, it is also a welcome remedy used for the natural treatment of bed sores. The spice has potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help get rid of infections within the sores. Turmeric powder also helps manage the inflammation, thus making the bed sores less painful. You will also need sterile saline solution to clean the sores prior to the application of this remedy.

Directions:

  1. Clean the bed sores and surrounding skin using the sterile saline solution (prepared as directed in Remedy #3).
  2. Place enough of the turmeric powder to cover each sore in entirety for speedy recovery.
  3. Place the bandage over the sores and remove after a couple of hours when you repeat the process once more.

 

6. Comfrey:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Comfrey leaves powder, crushed bark of slippery elm, warm water, cotton water, bandage and sterile saline water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Comfrey is a herbal remedy which is applied topically to the bed sores to enhance healing. The roots and/or leaves of this herb may be used and they play a great role in ensuring that new skin cells are produced to make up for the broken tissue. When combined with the crushed powder of the Slippery Elm bark ( a tree native to North America), the remedy goes a long way in reducing the pain at the sores. Slippery elm is known for its mucilage secretions which assist in soothing the affected skin. For this remedy, you will need saline water to clean the sores after overnight application.

Directions:

  1. Mix equal amounts of the comfrey leaves and slippery elm powders to ensure an even distribution.
  2. Add a few drops of water to get a paste of your desired consistency.
  3. Use cotton wool to apply the paste on the bed sores, rubbing it in as gently as you can.
  4. Cover the sores with the bandage and allow to remain overnight.
  5. Clean the sores with saline water the next morning and allow the sores to dry to get rid of moisture.
  6. Use this remedy at least once daily for better recovery of the pressure sores.

 

7. Talcum Powder:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Talcum powder, saline water and a clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Talcum powder is a simple but effective remedy for the home treatment of bed sores. This is because the powder helps get rid of the moisture present in the sores, thus helping with the process of healing. It is important to note that wet moist areas worsen the sores, and increase the risk of infection. To get rid of this risk, you will first need to clean the sores using saline water described in the steps below.as

Directions:

  1. Clean the sores using saline water to disinfect the affected skin and the immediate surroundings.
  2. Dry the skin using the clean towel to get rid of the moisture.
  3. Sprinkle the talcum powder on each of the sores and leave on for a couple of hours.
  4. Repeat this procedure at least twice daily.

 

8. Coconut Oil:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Coconut oil, cotton wool and a warm water bath (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Coconut oil is recommended for the natural treatment of bed sores because of its potent healing powers coupled with its ease of use. The oil acts as an antibacterial, thus preventing the risk of infection while nourishing the skin. Even after the sores have healed, you may still use coconut oil to keep your skin in great condition. The warm bath is included in this remedy to warm the oil and melt it as coconut oil is known to solidify pretty fast when exposed to low temperatures. Avoid heating the oil directly as this denatures it and reduces its efficiency.

Directions:

  1. Place the coconut oil in a shallow bowl and then in the warm water bath to melt it.
  2. Use the cotton wool to soak some of the oil and apply on the sores.
  3. Leave on for a couple of hours.
  4. Use this remedy regularly at least three times daily.

 

9. Indian Gooseberry Powder (Amla):

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Indian gooseberry powder, a glass of warm water alongside your choice citrus fruits.
 Difficulty: Easy

 

Indian gooseberry is best known for its role in maintaining healthy hair, but did you know it can also be used for the treatment of bed sores? Commonly referred to as amla, the Indian gooseberry is packed with Vitamin C and potent antioxidants, both of which help manage damage to the skin. When used alongside the consumption of citrus fruits, the remedy allows for skin regeneration at the affected area, thus speeding up the healing process.

Directions:

  1. Place 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder in a glass and pour warm water over it.
  2. Drink this mixture at least twice daily, preferably on an empty stomach.
  3. Make sure you add citrus fruits to your diet too.
  4. These include oranges, limes and tangerines among others.

 

Other home remedies that you may use in the natural treatment of bed sores include calendula cream for topical application, zinc supplements which help enhance wound healing as well as Goldenseal, a herb that soothes the bed sores and reduces the pain. Whichever your choice of natural remedy, it is extremely important that you see a doctor for professional medical treatment.