Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Bedsores

A bedsore, otherwise known as a pressure ulcer, starts as just a red spot on the skin. It occurs when you sit or lie in a single position for so long that the sheer weight of your body pinches off blood flow to a certain area. Usually, the danger spots are bony areas of the body, especially the hips, buttocks, and heels. If blood flow is cut off long enough, the affected skin can blister, deteriorate, and die. Anyone who is confined to a bed or wheelchair, especially someone who has suffered paralysis or a stroke, is in the danger of developing a pressure ulcer. Here are some ways that you can minimize this danger.

1. Keep The Wounds Clean
   
   Pressure ulcers have to be kept clean in order to avoid infection and to heal properly. Make sure to rinse the wound and surrounding skin with soap and water. Do not use cleansing solutions containing disinfectants. Disinfectants generally slow down the healing process.
   
   
2. Make The Wound Moist
   
   Try to cover any existing sores with gauze bandages coated in petroleum jelly or similar moist, thick ointment. This will speed up the healing process as it encourages tissues to grow rapidly.
   
   
3. Get A Good Pressure-Relieving Mattress
   
   It is recommended to keep a person on a mattress or cushion that distributes his weight more evenly, such as an air mattress. There are many kinds available in the market. Be sure that it is thickly covered with an airy cotton blanket and sheets to prevent sweating. Sponge mattresses and water beds are also good choices.
   
   
4. More Blood Flow To Existing Pressure Ulcers
   
   Make sure there is no pressure on any area where a pressure ulcer already exists. If an ulcer appears on the heel, suspend the heel by raising the lower leg with pillows or soft blankets. Once the pressure is relieved, blood will flow to the existing wound and aid healing.
   
   
5. Move Around In Bed
   
   It is recommended to rotate the person’s body throughout the day. The person should be shifted at least once an hour, just to relieve the pressure on any area of the body. Not only is this an essential way keep bedsores from worsening once they start but it is also one of the best ways to prevent them.
   
   
6. Choose Oils Wisely
   
   If you are preparing food for someone who is bedridden, be careful about the kinds of oils that may be in the foods. Recommend to use Omega-3 oilsm which are found in fish, canola oil, and flaxseed oil, which lower blood cholesterol and support good circulation. Avoid using corn or safflower oil in your cooking, because such oils can enhance inflammation, which decreases blood circulation and can increase bedsore risk.
   
   
7. Maintain A Good Nutrition
   
   Along with pressure, malnutrition is the single biggest co-factor in the creation of bedsores. Keep that from happening by getting your loved one the minimum daily requirements for protein, which is two to three servings of meat, poultry, fish, or eggs a day. In addition, it is also recommended that people eat 6 to 11 servings of unprocessed whole grains, 2 to 4 servings of fresh fruits, and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables a day.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.