How to Treat Bedsores

Bedsores are like icebergs - what you see is usually only a fraction of the total tissue damage underneath. If you detect the beginnings of an ulceration, aggressive and intensive treatment is essential to slow down the damage.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Betadine Solution
• Betadine Swabs
• Sterile Water
• Gauze Pads
• Latex Gloves
• Occlusive Bandage

1. Be sure not to massage any reddened areas of the skin, especially those over bony prominences.

2. Keep all pressure off of the reddened or ulcerated area. The sore will not heal until all pressure is removed.

3. Clean the bedsore, if it is ulcerated, with gauze soaked in sterile water or normal saline. Use a gentle cleansing solution to reduce tissue damage.

4. Use betadine swabs (gauze pads soaked in betadine solution) to clean infected bedsores. Wear sterile gloves. Always clean the wound from the center and work out towards the edges. You want the germy debris to get dragged out and away from the ulcer.

5. Obtain a culture, if the ulcer is infected, as ordered by your doctor. A culture will tell you what germ is growing inside the ulcer so that your doctor can prescribe the proper antibiotics.

6. Talk to your doctor about debriding the ulcer. When you debride a wound, you remove the dead tissue, allowing the pink, healthy tissue to flourish.

7. Apply an occlusive dressing over the bedsore, as ordered by your doctor. These dressings are usually clear, and protect the bedsore from worsening by allowing the migration of fresh skin cells.

8. Consider surgery for bedsores that will not heal, including incision and drainage, skin flaps, skin grafts and bone resection.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 8/15/2006 Eating extra protein and vitamins cannot be stressed enough. Even if you eat a healthy, balanced diet I find an extra supplement drink (like Ensure) a day as a fourth meal or snack to sometimes be the defining factor in whether the wound heals or not.

on 11/22/2005 Keep the patient well hydrated and well nourished adding extra protein to the diet to speed up healing and prevent future bedsores.