Along with providing the proper alternating pressure mattress and providing diligent care of the patient, early detection is one of the best means of preventing serious incidents of pressure sore development. Once a patient’s daily routine and situation is well established, a secondary treatment regime to consider is application of a few simple home remedies to further enhance the patient’s care. Naturally, you should always consult with your health care professional before beginning any kind of treatment, but if you have a loved one who is bedridden and at risk of developing pressure sores, here are a few home remedies that may help:

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an all natural and very gentle cleanser for wounds that soothes irritated skin and helps promote healing. Aloe Vera is readily available as a gel or cream in pharmacies and department stores. Aloe can also be taken directly from the leaves of an aloe plant that can be grown indoors.

Honey
Some people believe that dressing a small pressure sore with a bandage coated with raw honey helps to remove toxins from the wound and promote healing. Natural honey contains many natural healing elements and has been used in home medicine for centuries.

Papaya Milk
Applying a compress soaked in papaya milk is believed to help the formation of new skin and speed the sloughing off of dead skin around the wound.

Vitamins
Additional supplements of vitamins A, C, D should be added to the diet in proper amounts for the patient according to their health and underlying conditions. Moisturizing creams that contain Vitamin E should be applied to the body to keep the skin healthy and supple.

Fiber
A diet rich in fiber helps skin cells to reproduce and thus help in the healing process. The repair of broken down tissue and muscle is far more efficient when the diet is rich in fiber dense foods such as beans, lentils, bran and plenty of fruits.

Comfrey Leaves and Elm
Homeopathic remedies may help in the treatment of pressure sores, but should never be used without the guidance of a knowledgeable health care professional. Common homeopathic treatments include compresses made from equal parts slippery elm and comfrey leaf powder that are applied to the sore overnight.

Water
Staying hydrated is vital to good health at all times, but is especially important for the bedridden or wheel chair confined patient who is susceptible to pressure sores. Dry skin increases the potential for skin irritation and slows the body’s ability to heal. Patients should be encouraged to drink six to eight glasses of water per day. Beverages containing caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola should be limited as they can increase the chance of dehydration.

Massage and Movement
Gentle massage is not only relaxing and soothing for the patient who can’t get up and move around, it also helps improve blood circulation for better skin health. Helping the patient to change position regularly is also imperative for the prevention of pressure sores and the patients comfort in general.

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Rachel Clarkson
Rachel Clarkson is a bed sores specialist and a big fan and promoter of “The Volkner Turning Mattress”: http://www.Volkner.com