Herbs
Comfrey can be applied to the sore in the form of a compress, ointment, or cream, to sooth the ulcer. To prepare a compress, use a clean cloth-made either of cotton, gauze, or linen, and soak it in a hot infusion or decoction. Place this as hot as possible on the affected area and either change it when it cools or cover the cloth with plastic or waxed paper and place a hot water bottle on top. Heat enhances the activity of these herbs.
Garlic improves circulation, promotes healing, and helps prevent infection. Take 400 to 500mg up to three times daily. Add more fresh garlic to your diet as well.
Lifestyle
Preventing bedsores is easier than treating them. Thus, take the following precautions before the sores begin to develop:
Carefully inspect skin daily for early redness and bony projections should be protected with soft materials, e.g., add padding to beds, chairs, and wheelchairs to reduce pressure. People that are unable to move themselves or are bedridden should be repositioned frequently. They should be turned every two hours and their skin should be kept dry and clean. You can obtain special water or air filled mattresses for bedridden people. Make sure bed linens and clothes are smooth and wrinkle free, as wrinkles add more pressure to the skin.
If sores have begun to develop, the following will help hasten healing. In general, good health can speed the healing process, thus a protein and calorie supplement is beneficial. In the early stages, bedsores can heal by themselves once the pressure is removed. If the skin is broken, protect it with gauze. Special air-filled mattresses or sponge rubber "egg crate" mattresses are designed to shift pressure and offer extra relief for people that have already developed bedsores. An "air-suspension" mattress may be required for people that have developed deep bedsores.
If a sore appears to be infected or oozes, rinse and wash the area gently with soap and disinfectant, but be cautious as cleansing too harshly can slow healing. Antibiotics may be required if an infection develops deep within the sore or if it has spread through the bloodstream.
Minerals
Zinc aids in wound healing and boosts immunity. Take 50 to 80mg daily.
Miscellaneous
Topical administrations of colloidal silver can minimize inflammation, prevent or treat infection, and encourage healing.
Vitamins
Vitamin A is beneficial for healing skin. Take 50,000 IU daily for one month, then reduce this to 15,000 IU daily, each in divided doses. If you are pregnant, do not take more than 10,000 IU daily.
Vitamin C improves circulation, promotes healing, and prevents infection. Take 3,000 to 10,000mg daily in divided doses. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance.
Vitamin D is necessary for wound healing and is especially important for people who are bedridden and do not get enough sunshine. Take 400 to 1,000 IU daily in divided doses.
Vitamin E improves circulation, increases tissue oxygenation, and promotes wound healing. Take 400 to 1,600 IU daily in divided doses. You may also apply vitamin E directly to the sore and bandage it loosely. Be sure to change the bandage daily. Vitamin E may be mixed with goldenseal powder, aloe vera gel, or a few drops of tea tree oil and applied to the sore.
