Bed Sores
Bed sores afflict many who are bedridden, in a coma or immobilized for a length of time. Remaining in the same position for a long period of time cuts off the blood supply to the skin, leaving it vulnerable to bedsores. Pressure sores, trophic ulcers and decubitus ulcers are alternative names for the condition.
Symptoms
If a person is immobilized for any reason, bed sores may occur. In the beginning, you will see a red area that becomes very painful. It eventually turns purple. If not treated correctly, the sore breaks open and becomes infected. More complications can set in at this point, as the infection can affect nearby muscles and bones as the sores become large enough to expose them. Common sites for sores are the hip, spine, lower back, heels, buttocks, elbows and shoulder blades.
Causes
Bed sores are caused by a person remaining in the same position for too long. Doing this prevents proper circulation to the skin. Bedridden patients may also be prone to incontinence, and if the skin gets wet due to this problem, it becomes especially prone to infection. Changing the patient's position helps prevent bedsores, as do gentle massage, foot and leg exercises and a good diet.
Cautions
If bed sores become severe, they need immediate medical attention. Once they expose the bone, they may require surgery and skin grafts. Risks for developing sores are increased if you have malnutrition, anemia, muscle weakness from lack of use, atherosclerosis, diabetes, lack of sensation, heart problems, incontinence, obesity, paralysis, poor blood circulation, spinal cord injury or rectal disease.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
To improve circulation:
- Ginkgo - take up to 3 times a day as advised by a herbalist. Improving circulation may help prevent bedsores.
To prevent infection and promote health skin:
- Echinacea - take 3 times a day to prevent infection.
- Garlic – supplements can be taken as a natural antibiotic to help fight the infection.
- Flax – adding flax seeds to the diet adds fiber, which absorbs extra fluid in the body and aids in easy stool passage. This can help keep the system clear and help prevent bedsores.
External Applications
- Myrrh – a commercial tincture can be applied to bedsores that have not broken open. Do a test patch on healthy skin first to make sure there is no sensitivity to myrrh.
- Aloe vera – the gel can be found commercially or can be used directly from the leaf of the plant.
- Arnica – this herb is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Apply with a cloth or add it to a poultice. Watch for signs of dermatitis with long term use.
- Calendula – make a tea with 1 to 2 teaspoons of flowers in 1 cup of boiling water and allow it to steep for at least ten minutes. Use the tea as a wash or apply as a compress. The ointment or tincture can also be used.
- Comfrey – mix powdered leaves with slippery elm to form a paste. Rub the paste on a piece of cloth and secure it to the affected area overnight for the best results.
- Goldenseal – sprinkle the powder over the area to disinfect it and then cover with cotton. Echinacea can be used exactly the same way.
- Chamomile – this herb is an anti-inflammatory and can be used as a wash for the bedsores. Calendula and horsetail can be added to this wash to help strengthen and nourish the skin.
- Manuka Honey - apply honey on a dressing to affected area. Change regularly.
Aromatherapy
The following essential oils may be used individually or in a blend to reduce inflammation and therefore promote healing to sores on the skin:
- Myrrh
- Sandalwood
- Tea tree oil - add 4 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water and apply it over the bedsores.