Treatment Options for Bedsores
Bedsores are wounds that are the result of prolonged pressure on an area of your skin. If you are immobile for extended periods, like being bedridden or using a wheelchair, you are more at risk for bedsores. These painful wounds, or pressure ulcers, can expand and lead to infections. In some situations, bedsores or pressure ulcers can be life-threatening.
If you are older, or immobile or bedridden, you have an increased risk for bedsores. These sores occur when there is abnormal pressure on your skin. Friction, moisture, and traction, the pulling on skin, also lead to bedsores. There are progressive stages of bedsores. The most serious stages, 3 and 4, can increase your risk of serious and harmful infections.
What are The Signs of Bedsores?
Bedsores will often be painful and itchy. But if you have dull sensations, you may not be able to feel them. What a bedsore looks like and what the symptoms are will vary depending on the stage of the wound.
What are The Signs of An Infected Bedsore?
Fever and chills are often the first signs of an infection, and the pressure ulcer might be:
- Extremely painful.
- Swollen.
- Red and very warm to the touch.
- Foul-smelling.
- Oozing pus.
How are Bedsores Diagnosed?
You may see your physician first or a wound specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Doctors diagnose and stage bedsores according to their appearance. You might get certain tests to check for infections, such as:
- Biopsies.
- X-rays or MRIs.
- Blood cultures and tests.
What are Nonsurgical Treatments for Bedsores?
You might be able to treat stages 1 or 2 bedsores. For stages 3 or 4 bedsores, you may need to see a wound specialist. Depending on the severity of your pressure ulcer, it could take weeks or even months for the sore to heal.
To treat a pressure injury, you or your doctor, or nurse may:
- Clean and irrigate the wound with soap and water or sterile saltwater solution.
- Dress or cover the wound with specific medical bandages designed especially to promote healing. These usually include water-based gel, hydrogel, hydrocolloid, alginates, seaweed, and foam dressings.
For a deep, severe pressure ulcer, your medical provider will need to remove dead tissue during a procedure called debridement. Your medical team removes the dead tissue using a scalpel. Or they might apply ointments that encourage your body to dissolve the dead tissue. Your physician will first numb the area with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort.
What Medications Treat Bedsores?
Depending on your symptoms, you may find relief with:
- Antibiotics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Pain relievers.
What are Surgical Treatments for Bedsores?
Stages 3 or 4 pressure ulcers, which are deep or affect a larger area of your skin, may require surgery. You might need a skin graft to close the wound and enhance healing.
What is The Recovery Like if You Have Bedsores?
Your skin is not as strong as it once was. It is important to exercise preventive measures, such as repositioning your body often. Advanced bedsores, stages 3 or 4, are more difficult to treat. These pressure ulcers increase your risk of infection.
How quickly your pressure ulcer heals is different from person to person. For you, it can depend on:
- Your personal treatment plan.
- The severity of the ulcer.
- Your nutrition.
- If there is any infection.
- If you are dealing with other health conditions.