Bedsore Treatments

Bedsores, also known as pressure sores, are patches of damage caused to the skin when circulation is essentially cut off due prolonged periods of pressure. It is often seen when people are left in one position during an illness or due to a paralysis and not systematically moved to ensure that circulation remains consistent throughout the body. For most people, these sores will manifest on the buttocks, hips and heals, according to the Mayo Clinic, but may form on other areas of the body where constant pressure takes place. When someone develops a bedsore, there are a number of treatments available to remedy this condition.

Relieve Pressure

• The most effective form of treatment for bedsores is to relieve pressure to those areas affected with the condition. This would entail a routine changing of positions throughout the day so the sores will not have a chance to worsen and others are stopped from forming. It is best to move someone with bedsores every two hours, so simply establish a schedule that can easily be followed by the care provider.

Add Support

• Another fairly effective form of treatment for bedsores entails the use of any device that may add support to those areas affected with the condition. Using cushions and pads near areas that are plagued with this sort of sore can actually relieve pressure and maintain circulation, lessening the potential of ulceration and additional formation of sores. Consult with a medical professional on the best support device, as each mode of support will be based on a number of personal factors, including your build, weight, condition and motility.

Clean Sore

• While you'll want to ensure that proper circulation is getting to those areas troubled by bedsores, the sore itself will also need to be treated once it has formed. To do this, you'll need to effectively clean the sore to lessen the potential of infection. Soap and water works great for relatively small, unopened sores. If ulceration has already taken place, you'll need to use a saline solution to clean out the wound and then dress is with a bandage.

Antibiotics

• Many times, a bedsore will also call for some type of oral treatment, usually including an antibiotic prescribed by a medical professional. This mode of care reduces the risk of infection, especially when the sore has formed into an ulcer, making it more susceptible to germs and bacteria.

Debridement

• Debridement is the process of removing any damaged skin from the actual bedsore itself. Sometimes, a person may need to have the skin that is damaged removed, be it surgically, mechanically or chemically. If you were to have the skin surgically removed, a doctor would cut the skin in question off of the sore. If you were to have it mechanically removed, a medical professional would an irrigation device remove that damaged skin. If you were to have it chemically removed, a topical ointment or enzyme would be used to essentially dissolve the dead skin. No matter which method is employed to remove this skin, it will allow the wound to heal properly.

Hydrotherapy

• Depending on the severity and location of your bedsore, your doctor may recommend you treat the condition with something called hydrotherapy. As the name suggests, a person is submerged into a pool of water that contains a series of jets. These jets move the water around the skin and naturally clean the wound and remove any damaged or dead skin.