How to Cure Bedsores

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, occur mostly on bed-ridden individuals. When prolonged, constant pressure is applied to an area of skin, it cuts off the blood circulation to the tissues. This causes sores that grow rapidly. They are very painful, and if they aren't taken care of properly extreme infection may occur. It's much easier to try to prevent bedsores than it is to treat them once they occur, but there are ways to cure bedsores.

Things You'll Need

• Wound padding Saline solution Wound dressing

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Instructions

• 1

  Move positions often. This prevents bedsores in the first place as well as helps current bedsores to heal. Refrain from ever resting on a bedsore when possible. Those confined to a wheelchair should move every 15 to 30 minutes. Those who are bed-ridden should change positions every 1 to 2 hours. A loved one or nurse may need to assist the individual in these tasks.

• 2

  Prevent friction. Friction while changing positions can cause tearing within the wound and make bedsores worse. Place support padding over the wound's dressing to relieve friction and pain.

• 3

  Clean bedsore wounds consistently. Remove old dressings and bandages daily. Clean the bedsore wound with saline solution; don't use hydrogen peroxide, because it will damage and kill valuable tissue. There are many dressings that can be used for bedsores. It's important to use the correct ones, which should be determined by the patient's physician.

• 4

  See your physician immediately. Bedsores can be very minor, but they can also develop into life-threatening conditions. Your physician can determine the severity of your bedsore. If infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary. In addition, it may be necessary for dead tissue to be removed.