Home Remedies and Herbs for Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a condition that occurs when something continues to rub or press on the skin and the skin breaks down.¹ They get their name “bedsores” because it’s common to get them when lying in bed for long periods, such as if you’re bedridden in the hospital or a nursing home.² This happens because the weight of the body and friction against the bed result in a wear down of tissue.² Bed sores commonly occur in areas where muscle and fat are low and bones are prominent, such as the tailbone, feet, and hips.²

What Causes Pressure Ulcers / Bedsores?

Pressure ulcers result from a reduced blood flow to an area of skin, causing an ulcer to form.1 Bedsore causes can include:^1,3

• Remaining in bed for long periods, such as if you are ill and immobile
• Using a wheelchair
• Having a disease that affects blood flow, such as vascular disease or diabetes
• Having fragile skin
• Having urinary or bowel incontinence
• Having an injury or disease that prevents you from moving certain body parts on your own
• Being overweight or underweight and immobile

Older adults are at higher risk of developing pressure ulcers.¹

Pressure Ulcers / Bedsores Symptoms

Pressure ulcer symptoms range depending on the severity. If caught early, changing your position to relieve the pressure on that area should help ease symptoms in one to two days.⁴ These early bedsores symptoms include a reddening of the skin and an area that feels different in temperature or firmness from the rest of the skin.⁴ The area may also be tender or painful.⁴ More serious bedsore symptoms include:

• Damaged skin
• A fluid-filled blister
• A crater-like ulcer
• A wound that exposes yellowish dead tissue

In severe cases, a pressure ulcer may expose bone, muscle, or tendon, and it can get infected if the skin breaks.⁴

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Pressure Ulcers / Bedsores

Bedsore natural remedies can help heal the skin and promote blood flow to the area to reduce pressure ulcer symptoms. Consider these pressure ulcer herbal remedies.

• Turmeric - Turmeric is an herbal remedy used in Asia and India. Applying turmeric oil topically can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with bedsores.
• Honey - Honey has been used as far back as ancient Egypt as a topical ointment to help treat infected wounds.5 It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help make it an effective pressure ulcer home remedy.
• Activated Charcoal - Activated charcoal can be applied under a bandage to help treat pressure ulcers.

Talk to your doctor before using bedsore home remedies to get a full view of your health and to ensure these herbs won’t interact with other medications you’re taking.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/pressure-ulcer
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/images/areas-where-bedsores-occur
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/carepoints/preventing-pressure-ulcers
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bedsores/basics/symptoms/con-20030848
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758027/