Treatment for Bedsores in the Elderly at Home

Bedsores, pressure ulcers, or decubitus ulcers can be unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening for the elderly. These sores are frequently created by continuous pressure on the skin, which can cause tissue damage. Bedsores can be especially difficult for the elderly because they may be unable to move around, require assistance for their daily activities, and spend more time in bed or a chair. That is why you must know about the treatment for bedsores in the elderly.

Fortunately, there are various at-home treatments for bedsores in the elderly. This essay will mention some of the most effective treatments for bedsores in the elderly, from easing pressure on damaged regions to utilizing ointments and creams to aid healing.

What Causes Bedsores in the Elderly?

Before looking into the best treatment for bedsores in the elderly and home remedies, it is critical to understand the causes. Bed sores are caused by pressure on the skin that delays proper blood flow. The following factors commonly cause bedsores:

• Friction. The rubbing and shifting caused by repositioning the body can tear down the skin, which becomes more delicate as we age. Rubbing against rough sheets and clothes can also cause bed sores, so be cautious while adjusting loved ones in bed.
• Increased pressure as a result of reduced mobility. Tissue and skin require blood flow to transport oxygen and nutrients. Tissue and skin can become injured and degenerate if blood does not flow adequately due to pressure on a certain body component. This type of pressure is common in places with little muscle or fat.
• Shear. Shear happens when your skin moves in one way while your bone moves in another or remains motionless. The skin may expand and rip as a result of this.

Bedsores often happen on the:

• Back of the head
• Buttocks area
• Backs and sides of the knees
• Shoulder blades
• Heels of the feet

What are the Symptoms of Bedsores?

Bedsores are classified into four phases, from mild to severe. They are as follows:

• Stage 1. The affected region appears red and feels heated to the touch. The region may have a blue or purple tinge if you have darker skin. The individual may also claim that it burns, aches, or itches.
• Stage 2. The region seems to be more injured, with an open sore, scrape, or blister. The individual complains of severe discomfort, and the skin around the incision may be discolored.
• Stage 3. Because of damage under the skin’s surface, the region develops a crater-like look.
• Stage 4. The region has been seriously harmed, and a big wound has formed. Muscles, tendons, bones, and joints may all be affected. At this point, infection is a substantial concern.

Note: If you have full-thickness tissue loss and you see that the base of the ulcer is covered by slough or eschar in the wound bed, a wound is not assigned a stage. Slough comes in a variety of colors, including tan, gray, green, brown, and yellow. Eschar is commonly tan, brown, or black.

How to Diagnose Bedsores in the Elderly?

A healthcare expert will first do a comprehensive physical examination to identify bedsores. Next, they will search for symptoms of skin injury, such as redness, swelling, and blisters. They will also look for body parts prone to bedsores, including the hips, back, and heels.

A tissue biopsy may be performed if the healthcare practitioner feels the patient has a bedsore. A little piece of skin from the afflicted region is removed and examined under a microscope. This might aid in confirming the diagnosis and the severity of the sore.

In addition to the physical examination and biopsy, the healthcare practitioner could ask about the patient’s medical history and medicines. This information can aid in determining the root cause of the bedsores and guiding treatment recommendations.

Treatment for Bedsores in the Elderly

There are various steps associated with the treatment of bedsores in the elderly. Let’s take a look:

Step 1. Reducing Pressure

Reducing the pressure and friction that produced the bedsore is the first step in curing it. Among the strategies are:

• Repositioning. Turn and change your positions frequently. The frequency and repositioning of this action depend on the quality of the surface you’re on and your condition.
• Making use of support surfaces. Use a mattress, bed, and specific cushions that allow you to sit or lie in a way that preserves your skin.

Step 2. Cleaning and Dressing Wounds

The depth of the wound determines the treatment of pressure ulcers. Cleaning and treating a wound often entails the following:

• Cleaning. If the afflicted skin is not damaged, wash it gently and pat it dry. When the dressing is changed, clean the exposed wounds with water or a saltwater (saline) solution.
• Applying a bandage. A bandage promotes faster healing by keeping the wound wet. It also acts as an infection barrier and keeps the skin around it dry. Films, gauzes, gels, foams, and treated coverings are all bandage options. You may require a mix of dressings.

Step 3. Removing Damaged Tissue

Wounds must be without damaged, dead, or diseased tissue to recover effectively. The doctor, caregiver, or nurse may remove damaged tissue (debride) by gently washing the area with water or cutting off damaged tissue.

Other Treatments

• Painkiller medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), may help with the pain. These can be quite beneficial before and after repositioning and wound care. Topical pain relievers can also be useful during wound care.
• A nutritious diet. A proper diet aids wound healing.
• Surgery. Big bedsores that do not heal may necessitate surgery. One form of surgical healing is using a pad of your muscle, skin, or other tissue to cover the incision and cushion the afflicted bone (flap surgery).

Bed Sore Treatment and Prevention at Home

To start at-home treatment for bedsores in the elderly, look at bedsores closely and pay attention to signs of infection, such as:

• Fever
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Discharge
• Foul smell

The stage and depth of damage determine the treatment for bed sores.

• Stage-one ulcers can be cleaned with moderate soap and water and covered with a moisture-barrier moisturizer.
• Advanced bed sores may necessitate medical attention. Your medical staff may clean the wound with saline and apply a particular bandage.
• Antibiotics may be used if a wound becomes infected.

Let us give you some general treatment for bedsores in the elderly at home:

• In bed, reposition your body every one to two hours, and in a wheelchair, every 15 minutes. When relocating yourself or someone else, use caution. Tugging on the skin might result in friction, aggravating bed sores.
• Special beds and assistance equipment can help reduce body pressure. Skin irritation can be reduced using specially constructed foam, low-air-pressure mattresses, and sheepskin overlays. Consult your doctor for advice on pressure-relieving equipment and treatments.
• Slipping in bed or a chair can aggravate bed sores. Position yourself so that you do not slide.
• Keep skin clean and dry, particularly when it comes to body fluids.
• Consider making lifestyle adjustments. Losing weight, regulating blood sugar levels, and stopping smoking may all aid in the healing process.
• Talk with your doctor about gentle stretching activities that might enhance blood circulation.

Tips for Treatment for Bedsores in the Elderly at Home

• Aloe vera can be used to treat bed sores, prevent them from reoccurring, and relieve stinging and burning feelings.
• To keep the region clean, use saline water as a disinfectant.
• Combine beetroot and honey to hydrate the region and avoid irritation and redness.
• Apply turmeric to decrease discomfort and offer immediate relief. Turmeric heals sores and wounds rapidly and completely.
• To enhance blood circulation, heal faster, boost the immune system, and eliminate toxins, combine turmeric with Myrrh oil.
• Use baby powder to dry up the area and speed up the healing of sores. Simply spray disinfectant and sprinkle baby powder over the wound to fully cover it.
• Massage everything except the wounds to increase circulation and speed up healing. Massage olive or coconut oil into your skin until it is entirely absorbed.

How to Treat Bedsores on Buttocks at Home?

First and foremost, the afflicted region must be relieved of pressure. This may be accomplished by frequently shifting postures and avoiding sitting or laying in one position for lengthy periods. You can also utilize specific pillows or mattresses intended to relieve skin pressure.

Keeping the afflicted region clean and dry is also critical to promote recovery. Wash the affected area gently with mild soap and water before patting it dry with a soft towel. Avoid touching your skin since this might cause more injury.

Applying a topical ointment or lotion to the skin can also assist in soothing and encouraging healing. Look for products with anti-inflammatory components, such as zinc oxide or hydrocortisone.

In addition to these home treatments, following your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations is critical. Medication, dressings, and other therapies may be used to improve healing and avoid infection.

Best Antibiotic Cream for Bedsores

Antibiotic creams are frequently indicated as a therapy option to aid infection prevention and recovery.

Mupirocin is one of the finest antibiotic creams for bed sores. This topical antibiotic treats various bacterial infections, including those that typically cause bed sores. Mupirocin destroys the germs that cause illness and prevents them from spreading.

Silver sulfadiazine is another excellent antibiotic cream for bed sores. This cream includes silver as well as sulfadiazine, a kind of antibiotic. Silver has been used for millennia for its antibacterial characteristics, while sulfadiazine aids in preventing bacterial development in wounds.

When using antibiotic creams for bed sores, it is critical to carefully follow the directions and apply the cream as suggested. In addition, to avoid infection, keep the afflicted area clean and dry, and change dressings regularly.

Best Ointment for Bedsores

Hydrogel is an excellent bedsore treatment. It keeps the wound moist, which helps to avoid scabbing and the creation of new tissue. It also moisturizes and soothes the skin, encouraging healing and lowering discomfort.

Another effective therapy for bedsores is zinc oxide. Zinc contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, zinc oxide helps soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Treatment for Bedsores in the Elderly: Let’s Recap

Here at Health & Care Professional Network, we understand the difficulties of caring for the elderly, particularly when it comes to preventing and treating bedsores. That’s why we’re dedicated to delivering compassionate and effective in-home care for elders struggling with this common problem. Our skilled caregivers are trained to deliver the greatest bedsore treatment possible, from easing pressure on affected regions to utilizing the best ointments and lotions to aid recovery.

Be confident that your loved one will receive the finest possible treatment for their bedsores with our in-home care services. We take a tailored approach to therapy, adapting our treatment regimens to each individual’s requirements and preferences. Contact us online now or call us at (702) 871-9917 to learn more about our in-home care services and how we can assist you or a loved one in living a better life.