How To Control Bed Sores At Home?

Bed sores are also known as pressure ulcers. They are painful injuries that appear on the skin when someone stays in the same position for too long. People who are bedridden, use wheelchairs, or have very limited mobility are more at risk of bed sores. The good news is that with proper care and attention, bed sores can be prevented at home. Small steps taken every day make a big difference.

In this blog, we will go through all the precautions to avoid pressure ulcers at home.

What parts of your body do bedsores affect?

Bedsores can begin anywhere. For people who use oxygen therapy, these ulcers can develop on the bridges of their noses, ears, or the backs of their heads. Pressure sores are most likely to build up on the parts of your body where your bones sit closest to your skin, like ankles, back, buttocks, elbows, heels, hips, and tailbone.

Relieve Pressure

Continuous pressure on one part of the body is the main cause of bed sores. To reduce pressure ulcers, the person should be repositioned regularly. If lying in bed, their position should be changed at least every two hours. For people using manual or power wheelchairs, you should shift weight from one side to another every 15 to 30 minutes. To spread weight evenly, you can use supportive surfaces like pillows, foam pads, or special air mattresses. For heels, you should lift them off the bed using pillows or protective heel cushions to avoid sore spots.

Keep Skin Clean and Dry

Healthy skin is less likely to break down, so cleanliness is very important to avoid bed sores. To prevent bed sores, you should gently wash your skin with mild soap and warm water, then carefully pat dry with a soft towel. Then, moisturise your skin regularly to keep it soft and prevent cracks that can lead to sores. If a sore has already developed, then cover it with the right type of dressing, such as foam, gauze, or hydrogel, to keep it moist and safe from infection.

Also Read: Sleep Hygiene-7 Tips For A Good Sleep

Promote Healing With Nutrition

Another way to prevent sores is a healthy diet. Without proper nutrition, sores can get worse, and healing can slow down. Protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, chicken, beans, and dairy products can help rebuild tissue. Vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, and iron also play an important role in wound healing. If you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s dietary advice.

Must Check: Foods To Avoid Before Bedtime

Temperature

Your skin can become more sensitive to extreme temperatures after an injury. In cold weather, you are at a higher risk of frostbite, and in hot conditions, you can burn easily without noticing. To prevent pressure sores, you should avoid direct contact with hot objects like heaters, metal surfaces, or very hot water.

Inspect Skin Daily

To avoid bed sores, skin should be checked daily, especially around bony areas like the hips, ankles, elbows, and back. If you see redness, swelling, or tenderness, they are early warning signs of pressure damage. To catch these changes early means you can take action right away, relieving pressure from that area and keeping the skin clean. If you wear a cast or brace, check the skin under and around it twice a day. Use a mirror to see areas you cannot reach, and train your caregiver to check for you carefully.

Prevent Friction

Pressure, bed sores are also caused by friction and shear. Friction happens when the skin rubs against surfaces like bed sheets, while shear happens when the skin moves in one direction and the bone moves in another, usually when sliding down in bed. To prevent this, you should use smooth bedding, free of wrinkles. Cotton sheets are soft and gentle on the skin. When moving someone, always lift rather than drag to avoid skin damage.

Padding, Positioning, and Turning in Bed

At night, it is important to turn regularly to relieve pressure. The turning schedule depends on your body weight and skin condition, but it usually ranges from every 2 hours to every 6 hours. You can use pillows and foam pads to protect bony areas, but avoid using folded towels or blankets.

Seating Assessment

The right wheelchair and cushion are very important to prevent pressure sores. You should get a skin evaluation every two years, or sooner if your skin or health changes. A therapist can use a pressure map, which shows where pressure builds up when you sit. Then suggest where you should place your cushion.

Also Read: How Sleeping Less Than 6 Hours Can Harm Your Health?

Hydration

Last but not least, drinking enough water every day can also help your skin and body stay healthy. When your skin and body get healthy, it automatically prevents bed sores. You should avoid too much coffee, tea, or soft drinks, as they can dehydrate you.

Must Read: Can Drinking Water (Or Not Drinking Enough) Affect Your Sleep?

Conclusion

Bed sores can be painful and dangerous if ignored, but consistent home care can prevent them and even enable healing. By relieving pressure, keeping the skin clean, eating a balanced diet, and checking for early signs every day, you can prevent bed sores. As we know, taking care of someone with limited mobility takes time and effort, but each small step protects their health and comfort.