Bedsores can affect anyone who has to stay in one position continuously. It can affect anyone. It is a completely preventable condition. Only care has to be taken to move the part resting for a long time after a short period of time.
What are Bedsores?
Clinically known as Decubitus ulcers, bed sores are a form of an injury that occurs over the skin and/ underlying tissue, usually occurring over a bony prominence which is caused by pressure and/ friction. This pressure results in blockage of the blood vessels cutting off the blood supply to the tissue leading to the formation of bed sores.
They commonly occur over a bony prominence such as sacrum, heels, shoulders, cranium etc.
Stages of Bedsores
Bedsores are classified into 4 stages
- Stage I- In this stage, not much damage is done and it involves only the skin. There is a non-blanchable redness. It is often difficult to recognise this stage.
- Stage II- This is the progress of the first stage wherein there is a loss of tissue (dermis) and it presents as a shallow open ulcer.
- Stage III- Here the full thickness of the tissue is lost. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but the muscle, tendon or bone is not visible.
- Stage IV- This presents as a very deep ulcer exposing the muscle, tendon or the bone.
Risk Factors
As mentioned earlier, Bed sores occur in individuals who cannot change position are at risk.
Following are the risk factors:
- Those who are immobilized for reasons such as illness, injury or effects of anesthesia. And with immobilization, if there is incontinence of feces and urine it can destroy the skin cells leading to the formation of Bedsores.
- And those with long-term spinal injuries. Also, Diabetic patients who are neuropathic cannot feel bedsore developing continue to be in the same position which only further worsens the condition.
- Old age makes the skin thinner and therefore there are more chances of developing bedsores.
- Poor blood circulation as in smoking and vascular disorders.
- Nutritional deficiencies i.e. Protein, Zinc and Vitamin C can lead to Bed sores.
- Mentally challenged individuals may not be able to understand the changes and are more vulnerable to Bedsores.
Prevention
- If the patient is bedridden, moving him/her every 2 hours will help. Also, a thorough checking for bed sores must be done in such patients who are at risk of developing Bed sores and the skin must be kept clean and dry.
- Eating a healthy diet is important.
- Quit smoking
- Moving limbs and certain exercises must be carried out by patients who are at risk and who are able to move by themselves.
External Treatment for Bedsores
The below-mentioned steps can be followed to alleviate the complaints.
- Get rid of the pressure that is causing a Bedsore
- Clean the wound with soap if it is not major. Deeper wounds will require medical attention.
- Medical attention will involve the removal of the dead tissue and application of dressings. Dressings hasten the relief of Bedsores.
- At times Surgical intervention might be required.
Treating the condition with Homoeopathy
Doliosis D65 Bedsorin which is a Homoeopathic remedy, aids in relieving bedsores and their associated symptoms of pain and discomfort. This medicine acts from within and heals the damaged tissues. This medicine has no side effects. It is easy to consume it and can be taken with other medication, for all age groups.