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Pressure ulcers: home treatment. Video
Bed sores may appear in bedridden or sedentary patients who have been in the same position for a long time. They look like large spots with a characteristic redness, remaining soft under pressure, along the contour of which rims form over time. The skin becomes moist and festering.
Pressure sores: prevention and treatment
How bedsores appear and how dangerous they are
Pressure ulcers appear due to prolonged squeezing of the same area on the body. As a result of the infringement of small vessels, the blood supply to the skin and the tissues lying under it stops, as a result of which they die off. Such dead tissue, whether superficial or deep, is called pressure sores.
Pressure ulcers usually occur in the sacrum, gluteal folds, shoulder blades, and elbows
The squeezed skin first turns pale, then reddens, later there are swelling, blisters, exfoliation and necrosis begins. In advanced cases, not only soft tissues, but also cartilage and bones are exposed to necrosis. Infection on damaged skin can lead to blood poisoning, which can cause the patient to die.
How to prevent pressure sores
It is possible to prevent the appearance of pressure ulcers in patients with impaired mobility by observing the rules of caring for them and taking a number of preventive measures. It is necessary to change bed linen more often, make sure that there are no folds and crumbs on it, do not allow prolonged contact of the patient’s body with feces. You also need to change the position of the patient’s body more often and wipe it first with a damp and then with a dry napkin. However, if bedsores have already appeared, alternative methods of treating them will help.
A mattress stuffed with straw (preferably oatmeal) is better ventilated and breathes, so it is useful to use it to prevent bedsores
How to treat bedsores at home
The most effective remedy for bedsores is calendula. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, promotes wound healing. Calendula is used in the form of ointments, applications, infusions and decoctions for ingestion and washing the skin. So, to prepare the ointment, mix 1 tbsp. powdered dried calendula flowers and 50 g of petroleum jelly. Apply the ointment to the affected area. Fresh leaves can be applied directly to bedsores.
Make a tincture of calendula flowers by mixing them with vodka in a 1: 2 ratio. Let it brew for two weeks, strain, before treating bedsores, dilute the tincture with water (1 tablespoon for half a glass of boiled water). This can be used to wipe the skin and apply 15-minute lotions 1-3 times a day.
Make an infusion of birch leaves or buds, sage leaves, St. John’s wort, and celandine. Mix the herbs in equal proportions, pour over 2 tbsp. mixture with a glass of boiling water, leave in a thermos for 1 hour. This product can be used to wash wounds, wash the skin to prevent pressure ulcers, or make applications for 10-15 minutes.
It is also interesting to read about moles on the body.