Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Symptoms, Staging, & Treatment

Persistent pressure on the skin can cause pressure ulcers, popularly known as bedsores. It is common with bedridden elderly patients stuck with a bed or wheelchair due to bad health conditions and the inability to move. The sores or ulcers are signs of tissue damage caused by a lack of blood flow in the skin area.

Early intervention can be easy for bed sores treatment and recovery, preventing further complications. Below, we dive deep into the condition to understand it better, like symptoms and stages and learn how to cure bed sores.

Symptoms of Bedsores

Bedsores develop in areas with less tissue and muscles between the skin and the bones. Hence, the most common places where bed sores occur are hips, tailbone, heels, elbows, back, etc. One of the most important things to notice for early intervention and correct treatment of bed sores is the awareness of their symptoms. Here are the signs one needs to be careful of- 

• Redness and Discoloration – The affected areas of skin ulcers get darker, becoming red, purple, brown, or black.
• Pain and Tenderness – The affected area becomes sensitive to touch. Touching may cause pain, soreness or a burning sensation.
• Skin Texture Changes – The affected area becomes softer or firmer than the non-affected areas.
• Swelling and Warmth – Bedsores may cause swelling in the affected area. Also, the affected area becomes warmer than the rest of the body. 
• Open Wounds or Blisters – If not treated early, bedsores start to look like blisters that eventually break open and become open wounds and cause infection. 
• Pus or Drainage – Bedsores, when untreated, may develop pus in the blisters. Once they break open, they can cause an unpleasant odour, indicating infection. 

Bedsores can spread due to infection and can become very serious. Identifying the symptoms early and ensuring correct bed sores treatment becomes extremely important for recovery and preventing complications.

Stages of Bedsores

There are four stages of bedsores: 

Stage 1: Early Signs

• Skin discoloration
• The affected area becomes sensitive to touch
• Unlike other parts of the body, the affected area does not fade or become white when pressed. 
• If detected in this stage, simple steps like changing positions and movement can aid with blood flow in the affected area to prevent any further damage.

Stage 2: Superficial Damage

• Blisters start to occur, and some of them break open.
• Open wounds.
• Pain in the affected area. 
• The skin surrounding the area becomes red and sore, too.
• Inflammation in the surrounding skin shows signs of spreading. 

Stage 3: Deep Tissue Damage

• The ulcer starts to spread and affects the deeper tissues.
• In areas with fat, the open wounds show layers and make fat visible to the naked eye.
• Infections may become very serious in this stage, and there may be a need for medical intervention.

Stage 4: Severe Damage

• The ulcer starts to reach the bones and tendons after the muscles.
• Serious infections cause pus, bad odour, and fever.
• It’s the last stage of bed sores that require aggressive medical treatment. In some cases, doctors may even recommend surgery.

Causes and Risk Factors of Bedsores

Before learning how to treat bed sores, understanding the causes and risk factors is important. Here are the signs to watch- 

• Prolonged Immobility – Bedridden patients or ones in a wheelchair
• Friction and Shear – This happens when there is a lack of air between fabric and skin. 
• Poor Nutrition and Hydration – Lack of nutrients makes the skin thin and weakens the whole body, which becomes prone to infections
• Medical Conditions Affecting Blood Flow – Diabetes, heart conditions, and vascular disorders can cause poor blood circulation in the body, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.
• Excess Moisture or Dry Skin – Too much sweating makes the skin fragile, while too much dryness can crack it, opening the skin for wounds and infection.

Treatment of Bed Sores

The ideal bed sore remedy depends on the stage of the ulcer. Here are some common treatment methods used to cure the condition-

1. Relieving Pressure

Doctors recommend changing the positions of the patient frequently to reduce prolonged pressure in certain areas. Special cushions, mattresses, and gel pads are available for bedridden patients to prevent bedsores however, they may not be very comfortable to sleep on. The best way to prevent and improve the condition is by encouraging movement in some way. For people with mobility issues, physiotherapy can be helpful.

2. Cleaning and Dressing the Wound

Similar to any other infections, cleaning and dressing the wounds and blisters are important. Mild soap and water may be used to clean in the first stage without much pressure. A saline solution is used instead for cleaning open wounds. Also, dressing needs to be done professionally with foam bandages to ensure protection against infection and promote healing.

3. Medication and Ointments

Prescription antibiotics, painkillers and ointments are used to treat the condition.

4. Advanced Medical Treatments

In severe cases, doctors may surgically remove infected and dead tissue to promote healing. Other treatments, such as negative pressure wound therapy or skin grafting, may also be used to promote healing in the affected area, along with medications.

Home Remedies for Bed Sores

Many people use home remedies to cure bed sores in the initial stage. 

How to treat bed sores at home?

• Aloe Vera Gel
• Honey
• Turmeric Paste
• Coconut Oil
• Zinc and Vitamin C Supplements

However, these remedies should be used in the first stage or as a complement to medical care. Also, in advanced stages, it is better to consult a doctor before trying anything that can react with the medicines.

How to Cure Bed Sores Faster?

There is no instant bed sore remedy for a skin condition that has taken time to develop. However, healing can be promoted with –

• Good nutrition
• Proper and regular cleaning of the wound
• Proper bedding
• Medical intervention

Why Choose Olive Elder Care for Geriatric Care?

At Olive Elder Care, we provide elderly care under the supervision of geriatric experts. This simple step allows us to ensure the best care for the elderly and prevent conditions such as bedsores in patients at risk. Because of our awareness and experience in elderly care, we take proactive steps. For example, frequent repositioning, use of specialised bedding, proper skin care, and a balanced diet.

For new residents with existing bedsores, our healthcare team gets into action and provides 24/7 expert care with advanced treatment. Cleaning wounds, medicated dressings, infection control, and pain management become our focus. At Olive Elder Care, our mission is to promote healing and improve the quality of life for every patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for bed sores?

Pressure relief, movement, medication, and wound cleaning are the best bed sores treatment. However, the stage of the condition is an important consideration.

Which ointment is best for bed sores?

Prescribed antibiotic ointments are best for bed sores. Hence, a doctor consultation is necessary.

What is the best thing to clean bed sores with?

In the first stage, mild soap water works, but open wounds require a saline solution for cleaning and no soap.

What is the best natural remedy for bed sores?

Aloe vera gel, honey, and coconut oil can be the best bed sores treatment. However, it should be used after consulting with a doctor.