Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on a particular area of the body. They most commonly occur in people who are bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or have limited mobility, as well as in those with poor circulation, thin skin, or a history of skin injuries.
Bed sores can develop anywhere on the body, but they most often occur over bony areas like the hips, tailbone, heels, and ankles. They can range in severity from mild redness and irritation to deep wounds that expose underlying tissue and bone.Here are 20 natural remedies for bed sores:
# Change the person's position every few hoursChanging the person's position every few hours is an effective way to prevent and treat bed sores. When a person is immobile or bedridden, their skin is more prone to damage from pressure and friction. Changing their position frequently helps to redistribute the pressure on their skin and prevents bed sores from forming or worsening. The frequency of position changes may depend on the individual's level of mobility and the severity of their bed sores. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on the appropriate frequency and techniques for changing positions.
# Use a specialized mattress or cushion Using a specialized mattress or cushion is another effective way to prevent and treat bed sores. These mattresses and cushions are designed to distribute pressure more evenly across the body and reduce the risk of developing bed sores. They come in different types and materials, including foam, gel, and air. Foam mattresses and cushions contour to the body's shape and provide support while redistributing pressure. Gel cushions are filled with gel beads that conform to the body's shape and provide a cushioned surface that reduces pressure. Air mattresses use alternating pressure to periodically shift the pressure points and promote blood flow. A healthcare professional can recommend the appropriate type of mattress or cushion based on the individual's needs and condition.
# Apply a topical cream or ointmentApplying a topical cream is one of the common treatments for bed sores. These creams can help soothe and heal the affected area while protecting the skin from further damage. Some common options include hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic ointments, and zinc oxide cream.
Hydrocortisone cream is a steroid cream that can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching caused by bed sores. Antibiotic ointments are used to prevent or treat infection in the affected area. Zinc oxide cream is a natural antiseptic and astringent that can help protect the skin from moisture and prevent further damage.
It's important to note that not all creams are suitable for bed sores. Some creams may contain ingredients that can further irritate the skin or delay healing.
# Keep the person well-nourishedKeeping the person well-nourished is an essential aspect of preventing and treating bed sores. Adequate nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, and a well-balanced diet can help promote the healing process.
A diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help support the body's natural healing process and promote healthy skin. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissues, while vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Zinc, and Iron are necessary for skin health and wound healing.
It's also important to ensure that the person stays hydrated, as dehydration can lead to dry skin and make bed sores worse. Encouraging them to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day can help keep their skin moisturized and improve overall health.
# Use dressings to protect the affected areaUsing dressings to protect the affected area is an important part of treating bed sores. Dressings can help keep the wound clean, protect it from further damage, and promote healing.
There are several types of dressings that may be used to treat bed sores, depending on the severity of the wound and the level of drainage. Some common options include:
Hydrocolloid dressings: These dressings contain gel-forming agents that create a moist environment around the wound, which can help promote healing and reduce pain.
Foam dressings: These dressings are soft and absorbent, and can help wick away moisture from the wound while protecting it from further damage.
Alginate dressings: These dressings are made from seaweed and can absorb large amounts of fluid, making them useful for wounds with heavy drainage.
Transparent film dressings: These dressings are thin and transparent, allowing for easy monitoring of the wound while protecting it from bacteria and other external factors.
# Apply a warm compressApplying a warm compress to bed sores can help promote blood flow to the affected area and reduce pain and inflammation. Here's how to apply a warm compress:
- Start by soaking a clean towel or washcloth in warm water. The water should be warm to the touch but not too hot, as this can damage the skin.
- Wring out the excess water so that the towel is damp but not dripping.
- Gently apply the warm towel to the affected area, making sure that it covers the entire wound.
- Hold the compress in place for 15-20 minutes, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Repeat this process several times a day, as needed.
It's important to use a clean towel or washcloth each time a warm compress is applied, to prevent the spread of infection.
# Use Aloe vera Aloe vera is a natural remedy that can be helpful in treating bed sores. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation, and it also contains antioxidants that can promote healing. Here's how to use aloe vera to treat bed sores:
- Start by cleaning the affected area with warm water and a mild soap. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
- Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf lengthwise to expose the gel inside.
- Scoop out the gel with a spoon and apply it directly to the bed sore.
- Gently massage the gel into the skin using circular motions.
- Allow the gel to dry completely before covering the area with a clean dressing.
- Repeat this process several times a day, as needed.
# Apply honey
Honey is another natural remedy that can be used to treat bed sores. Honey has antibacterial properties, which can help prevent infection, and it also contains antioxidants that can promote healing. Here's how to use honey to treat bed sores:
- Start by cleaning the affected area with warm water and a mild soap. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of honey directly to the bed sore.
- Cover the area with a clean dressing.
- Leave the honey in place for several hours, or overnight if possible.
- Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
It's important to use raw, unprocessed honey for best results. Processed honey may not have the same antibacterial properties and may contain added ingredients that could irritate the skin.
# Use Tea Tree OilTea tree oil is a natural remedy that can be used to help treat bed sores. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent infection. Here's how to use tea tree oil to treat bed sores:
- Dilute the tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Use 1-2 drops of tea tree oil for every tablespoon of carrier oil.
- Apply the diluted tea tree oil to the affected area using a cotton ball or swab.
- Cover the area with a clean dressing.
- Leave the dressing in place for several hours, or overnight if possible.
- Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
It's important to dilute tea tree oil before using it on the skin to prevent irritation. If the person is allergic to tea tree oil, this remedy should not be used.
# Apply Turmeric PowderTurmeric is a natural remedy that can be used to treat bed sores due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Here's how to use turmeric to treat bed sores:
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with enough water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the bed sore.
- Leave the paste in place for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse the area with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the bed sore has healed.
It's important to note that turmeric can stain clothing and other fabrics, so be careful when applying it to the skin.
# Use CalendulaCalendula is a natural remedy that can be used to help treat bed sores. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, which can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Here's how to use calendula to treat bed sores:
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of calendula oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.
- Apply the oil mixture to the affected area using a cotton ball or swab.
- Cover the area with a clean dressing.
- Leave the dressing in place for several hours, or overnight if possible.
- Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
Alternatively, a calendula salve or cream can be applied directly to the bed sore.
# Apply Vitamin E OilVitamin E oil is a natural remedy that can help soothe and heal bed sores due to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. Here's how to use vitamin E oil to treat bed sores:
- Pierce a vitamin E capsule with a clean needle or pin.
- Squeeze the oil from the capsule onto the affected area.
- Gently massage the oil into the skin.
- Cover the area with a clean dressing.
- Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
Alternatively, a vitamin E cream or ointment can be applied directly to the bed sore.
# Use Lavender OilLavender oil is a natural remedy that can help soothe and reduce inflammation of bed sores due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Here's how to use lavender oil to treat bed sores:
- Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area and gently massage it into the skin.
- Cover the area with a clean dressing.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times daily until the bed sore has healed.
Alternatively, a few drops of lavender oil can be added to a warm bath to help soothe and heal bed sores.
# Apply Manuka HoneyManuka honey is a natural remedy that has antimicrobial properties that can help to heal bed sores. Here's how to use Manuka honey to treat bed sores:
- Clean the affected area with warm water and gentle soap.
- Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of Manuka honey directly to the bed sore.
- Cover the area with a clean and sterile dressing.
- Leave the dressing on for several hours or overnight.
- Remove the dressing and gently clean the area again before reapplying the Manuka honey and a fresh dressing.
Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
# Use papaya
Papaya is a natural remedy that contains enzymes that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in bed sores. Here's how to use papaya to treat bed sores:
- Cut a ripe papaya into small pieces.
- Mash the papaya into a paste using a blender or food processor.
- Apply the papaya paste directly to the bed sore.
- Cover the area with a clean and sterile dressing.
- Leave the dressing on for several hours or overnight.
- Remove the dressing and gently clean the area again before reapplying the papaya paste and a fresh dressing.
Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
# Apply ComfreyComfrey is an herb that has been traditionally used to treat various skin conditions, including bed sores. It contains allantoin, a compound that promotes the growth of new skin cells and helps to reduce inflammation. Here's how to use comfrey to treat bed sores:
- Crush fresh comfrey leaves and stems to extract their juice.
- Apply the comfrey juice to the bed sore.
- Cover the area with a clean and sterile dressing.
- Leave the dressing on for several hours or overnight.
- Remove the dressing and gently clean the area again before reapplying the comfrey juice and a fresh dressing.
Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
# Use EchinaceaEchinacea is an herb that is commonly used to boost the immune system and promote healing. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with bed sores. Here's how to use Echinacea to treat bed sores:
- Brew a cup of Echinacea tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried Echinacea in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Soak a clean cloth in the Echinacea tea and wring out the excess liquid.
- Apply the cloth to the bed sore and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this process several times a day, using a fresh cloth each time.
You can also apply Echinacea tincture directly to the bed sore. Mix a few drops of Echinacea tincture with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. Cover the area with a clean and sterile dressing. Repeat this process daily until the bed sore has healed.
# Apply ChamomileChamomile is a herb that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it a useful remedy for bed sores. To use chamomile for bed sores, you can make a chamomile tea and apply it to the affected area using a clean cloth or cotton ball.
To make chamomile tea, you can steep dried chamomile flowers in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then let it cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, dip a clean cloth or cotton ball into the tea and apply it to the affected area. You can repeat this process several times a day.
Alternatively, you can also use chamomile essential oil diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and apply it to the affected area. However, it's important to do a patch test before using essential oils to make sure you're not allergic to them.
# Use colloidal silverColloidal silver is a liquid suspension of microscopic silver particles in water that is sometimes used as a natural remedy for various health conditions, including bed sores. The antimicrobial properties of silver may help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
To use colloidal silver for bed sores, you can apply it topically to the affected area using a clean cloth or cotton ball. You can also add a few drops of colloidal silver to a wound dressing or bandage to help prevent infection.
It's important to note that while colloidal silver is generally considered safe, it can build up in the body over time and cause a condition called argyria, which turns the skin a blue-gray color. For this reason, it's important to use colloidal silver in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
# Coconut Oil Coconut oil can be an effective natural remedy for treating bed sores. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection in the affected area. To use coconut oil for bed sores treatment, follow these steps:
- Clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water, then gently pat dry with a clean towel.
- Take a small amount of virgin coconut oil and apply it directly to the bed sores.
- Gently massage the coconut oil into the skin, using circular motions.
- Repeat this process two to three times a day, or as often as needed to keep the affected area moisturized.