Bedsores

Bedsores are painful ulcers that form on body parts that tend to bear the most weight lying down. Usually, these are the buttocks, spine, back of the head, shoulders, elbows and heels the bedcovers are heavy, the toes can be affected. Warning signs are irritation, pain and redness. Later, more obvious signs are blisters, abrasions and ulcers. In severe cases, the skin, muscle and bone are affected.

Although bedsores are usually caused by long-term direct pressure, particularly lying in one spot for extended periods, lying on folds or hems, or on anything that irritates the skin, even food crumbs, will increase the likelihood of bedsores. Obesity or extreme thinness increases susceptibility, as do illnesses that affect the body's healing capabilities, especially diabetes,  arteriosclerosis and malnutrition. Often the skin is slow to heal even when the cause of the irritation has been removed. To speed healing, use external and internal therapies.

Offer a bedridden patient a varied and appetite stimulating alkaline diet that includes raw vegetables and fruits at every meal. Vegetables and fruits (even sour-tasting ones) burn to alkaline ash in the body, while meats and most grains burn to acid ash. Excess acidity leaches important minerals from soft tissues that maintain the normal pH of the blood, making tissues more susceptible to damage. Make sure that the diet contains an adequate amount of fiber to keep the colon clean and eliminate toxins that will otherwise disperse through the skin. Flax seeds absorb water, making stools soft and easy to pass. Ulcers are less likely to form if waste products are being efficiently eliminated. Make liquids available to the patient around the clock to keep the bladder functioning.

Supplements and herbs

All nutrients are vital for healing, and a diet filled with fresh raw foods and low in protein is an excellent basis. Vitamin C, bioflavonoids and vitamin E are recommended to hasten healing, provide the new tissues with strength and elasticity and prevent scarring. The B vitamins and zinc are also helpful in the healing process.

Massage the affected area regularly and bathe with herbs that fight bacterial and viral infections.

• Soak a cotton cloth in a warm infusion and gently wash the infected area. Alternate infusions of chamomile (anti-inflammatory); calendula, horsetail (nourishes and strengthens the skin); silverweed (antibacterial); goldenseal, Echinacea (antibiotic); and myrrh gum (anti-septic) in the bath water.
• If the patient is able, take a full bath with horsetail. Boil 3 1/2 oz. of horsetail herb for fifteen minutes in 2 cups of water, strain and add to bath water.
• After bathing, gently massage the affected area with ointments of calendula, St. John's wort or tea tree oil diluted with almond oil or vitamin E oil to fight infection and heal wounds.
• Aloe vera, mashed fresh plantain leaves and comfrey leaves are soothing and healing. Apply comfrey only if the wound is clean and superficial, otherwise the outer skin will heal and close up, sealing in impurities and pus.
• Honey encourages bedsores to heal. Mix 1 tbsp. of honey with 1 tsp. of calendula cream and spread on a gauze. Apply the poultice to the affected area, cover with a dressing and leave on overnight.
• Non-irritating arrowroot powder helps to keep the area dry.

What else you can do

• Reposition the bedridden patient every two hours and avoid possible pressure points to prevent the development of bedsores. Soft pillows and fleecy sheepskins greatly help reduce the stress on pressure points.
• As a preventive measure, encourage circulation to the affected area through a gentle skin massage using mild creams or oils, or alternating cold and warm showers.
• Increase circulation by applying ice-cold water compresses, then by drying the skin with a hair dryer on a warm setting.
• Eliminate moisture from open sores, perspiration or urine immediately.
• Apply the contents of a capsule of vitamin E to the open wounds.

How much to take

• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, at least 1,000 mg three times daily
• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU one to two times daily
• Zinc, 50 mg, with 3 mg copper
• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg twice daily

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