Help for bed sores?

[Saramomofmany]

My sister who has cancer is either confined to bed or wheel chair and has developed bed sores...any body know of any natural things we could do for her? Perhaps some herbs we could make into a salve for her??

Thanks in advance. Sara

[wolfmom]

Hi Sara,

The best treatment for bedsores is actually positioning. It is critical that her position gets shifted very frequently, like at least every hour. Other than that, it is important to keep the skin supple and dry (as in not moist). The other key factor is nutrition. Get as much good quality food into her as you can. I know that wasn't quite what you were looking for but those are key tips. The repositioning will also really help the sores she has heal faster.
Otherwise, calendula oil is a good moisturizer that has good healing properties, but don't put it on the actual sores themselves.
I hope that helps some!

[katelove]

Manuka honey can be good.

The main points for managing pressure sores are

- keep the wound moist

- keep dressing changes to a minimum. If there is no signs of infection some dressings can be left in place for up to 7 days. If the outer layer gets wet/soiled or exudate breaks through it needs to be changed.

- the best way to clean a wound is with blood temp running water. If water is drinkable it is fine for wound care. A gentle spray such as a shower is ideal to prevent damage to delecate new cells

- nutrition is really important but obviously may be difficult depending on your sister's overall condition

- keep the pressure off. Positioning, those electronic wave matresses etc are the best. Do you have access to a home nursing service which could provide some resources? Oh, and despite persistant rumours to the contrary, sheepskins do *absolutely nothing* to prevent pressure sores. They are a comfort thing only.

Apologies if I have just repeated things you already know. I hope you can get them under control.

[babygrant]

Originally Posted by wolfmom

The best treatment for bedsores is actually positioning. It is critical that her position gets shifted very frequently, like at least every hour.

YES. Keeping well hydrated is also key.

Is your sister able to move or is she bedbound? If she is able to move around on her own, encourage her to change positions preferably every hour. If she is bed bound she needs to be rolled at least every two hours into a different position (left side, back, right side). Keep an eye on the pressure points (heels, tailbone, elbows, shoulder blades).