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Treatment for Bedsores

Bedsores, also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers, develop when pressure on the skin results in a loss of circulation, which damages the skin tissue. They are common in people who are paralyzed, bedridden or chairbound, but they can also develop in people who wear splints, casts or other medical devices that put pressure on the skin. Bedsores most commonly develop on the hips, heels and buttocks. Treatment can be difficult, so the best course of action is to take steps to prevent them from developing.

  1. Relieving Pressure

    • The first step in treating bedsores is to relieve the pressure that caused the sore to develop. This can be accomplished by frequently changing positions, about every 15 minutes for people in wheelchairs and every hour or two for people who are bedridden. Make sure you ask a caregiver or family member for help moving if you find it difficult to do on your own. In some cases, it may be best to use special beds, cushions or padding that are designed to alleviate pressure on the areas where sores have developed.

    Non-Surgical Treatment

    • Bedsores need to be properly cleaned. Speak with your doctor or a medical professional to determine how the sores should be cleaned. Also, the bedsores will not heal unless the dead and damaged tissue is removed, and debridement is one way to accomplish this. The procedure is not surgical but involves using a scalpel to remove the affected tissue. For wounds to heal, they will also need to be properly dressed with clean and sterile bandages. The best course of action is to keep the wound moist and the skin around it dry. If an infection is present or if infection is a risk, antibiotics may be prescribed.

    Surgical Treatment

    • In some cases, non-surgical treatment options may not be enough to effectively treat bedsores and surgery may become necessary. The type of surgical procedure that is used will depend on where the bedsores are located. Typically, though, healthy tissues are harvested from other areas of the body to reconstruct the skin and muscle tissue where the sore is located. Debridement will have to be performed before any surgical procedure is possible.

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