Bed Sores
Bed sores
refer to ulcers of the skin that are formed during prolonged
bed rest, which causes sustained pressure over bony
areas of the body, such as the buttocks, hips, sacrum,
and shoulder blades. Bed sore symptoms include areas
of redness, deep ulceration, and pain in the affected
areas.
What To Consider
Bed sores primarily affect patients who are physically
restricted and bedridden, such as the disabled and people
in coma. Elderly patients are also prone to bed sores.
Patients need to be moved frequently, and also require
fresh air and light bed clothes. Daily baths with gentle
soaps containing vitamin E and aloe vera, and sufficient
natural light can be helpful in preventing bed sores.
Should bed sores occur, they should usually start to
heal within a week, but may take up to six weeks, depending
on their severity.
Self-Care Tips
Diet
Drink
plenty of liquids (filtered water, herbal teas, fresh
juices). Also include plenty of fiber in the diet to
keep the colon clean, and eat at least five to seven
servings of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables a day.
Nutritional Supplementation
The following supplements can be helpful in treating
and preventing bed sores: vitamin A, beta carotene,
vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and zinc.
Free-form amino acids can also help, as can garlic capsules,
to boost immunity and healing response. If bed sores
still persist, pancreatic enzymes in between meals (6-12
per day for one week) may be helpful, as well.
Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream can be applied (minimum four times
a day) on unbroken skin around, but not directly on,
sores or ulcers.
Herbs
Comfrey
root powder, echinacea powder, goldenseal, myrrh gum,
pau d'arco, slippery elm powder, and suma, taken as
teas, tinctures, and in the form of herbal compresses,
can all help to speed the healing of bed sores. A standard
naturopathic approach is to wash the open wound with
Calendula succus (juice of the marigold flower)
and then cover it with zinc oxide.
Homeopathy
Calendula, Hypericum, Merc sol., Chamomilla, Phosphorus,
Hamamelis, Silicea, and Belladonna are the
most useful homeopathic remedies for treating bed sores.
Hydrotherapy
Contrast (hot and cold) application: apply several times daily to promote
healing. Periodic cold compresses can also help to stimulate
sore areas.
Juice Therapy
Carrot, beet, cantaloupe, currant, and/or red grape
juice all help to speed healing.
Topical Treatment
Apply the paste of goldenseal powder, vitamin E squeezed
from capsule, and with zinc oxide to the affected areas.
Enzyme cream, vitamin E cream, aloe vera gel, comfrey
ointment, and/or calendula cream are also effective
topical treatments for bed sores.
According to Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., the "safest and
oldest approach for treating bed sores resulting in
open ulcers the application of raw honey
or granulated sugar paste to the open ulcers-now been
well-researched medically and shown to be at least as
effective as medicated creams."
Colloidal silver applied topically, and the use of silver
bandages (bandages with colloidal silver applied to
them), can also promote rapid healing.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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