Bedsores

What are bedsores?

Pressure sores are hard-to-heal wounds that can progress to necrosis of the tissue and, in extreme cases, pose a danger to the person's survival. In the milder stages, however, where drugs are not essential, natural herbal remedies are very effective in relieving sores and reducing irritation, redness and discomfort: in any case, the doctor's opinion is always indicated.

Natural remedies

Herbal products for the treatment of pressure sores do not act in a systemic way, but carry out their action on a topical level: in this regard, the herbalist offers natural remedies such as oleolites (oily concentrates obtained from vegetable substances macerated in oil), pastes protective and adsorbing powders to be applied directly to the painful area. Obviously, scrupulous body hygiene, associated with a correct diet, are essential for the healing of sores and the healing of wounds.

St. John's wort oil

A herbal remedy formulated only with St. John's wort oleolite is a product of excellence for low and medium-sized sores: l "Hypericum perforatum, extracted in vegetable oil (eg sunflower oil), is aimed at promoting wound healing and acts as a local disinfectant (antiseptic property). The anthraquinones present in the hypericum phytocomplex, in particular hypericin, act by decreasing inflammation, while hyperforin is considered a natural antibiotic.
St. John's wort oleolite is an excellent, highly effective product: although there are few contraindications, it should be remembered that St. John's wort could cause photosensitization (due to the presence of hypericin), therefore it is recommended to cover the treated area with gauze. since, if exposed to light, it could pigment.

Protective paste

A protective paste is another herbal remedy designed to limit suppuration and promote healing. The protective paste can consist of: corn starch, zinc oxide, rapeseed phytosterols, aloe vera gel, panthenol, avocado unsaponifiables, shea butter.

Corn starch and zinc oxide: these are two adsorbing substances, suitable for combating intertrigo (skin dermatitis caused by the continuous rubbing of two areas of the body, a very evident disorder in overweight and obese people). The skin appears chapped and sores they struggle and heal, usually due to excessive weight gain: the skin loses its natural elasticity and the less perfused tissue opens and creates painful sores. Corn starch and zinc oxide are suitable for suppurating wounds; they also act as astringent, soothing and anti-itch.

Phytosterols derived from rapeseed (Brassica napus): phytosterols stimulate cell division and improve membrane functions by acting as re-epithelializing agents. They ensure an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce peeling and redness.

Aloe vera (aloe vera gel): it is configured as an eudermic substance, with re-epithelizing, anti-inflammatory and refreshing properties, which ensure the subject a sensation of immediate relief. It is rich in polysaccharides, vitamins, organic acids which favor the healing and pseudo-analgesic activity.

Panthenol (provitamin B5): exerts skin moisturizing, protective and stimulates the replacement of damaged cells. It keeps the skin supple and decreases inflammation.

Avocado unsaponifiables (American Persea): the flavonoids present promote antioxidant activity. It also confers hydration and emolliency.

Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii) could also be replaced by liquid jojoba wax: both boast eudermic, restorative, elasticizing, nourishing and emollient properties.

The perfume in a herbal formulation against pressure sores is almost never present because it is irritating and potentially allergenic: for this reason the protective pastes tend to be odorless.

Dust

For moist wounds that suppurate and for wounds in a static position, the powder represents an adequate remedy if formulated as follows: rice, oats, tea tree oil, olive tree (dry extract), grapefruit seeds.

Rice (Oryza sativa) and oats (Avena sativa) belong to the Graminiceae family: they are included in the formulation of a herbal powder for their strong adsorbing power. They are widely used in cosmetics and dermatology thanks to their starch content; Oats are used for inflammatory and itchy skin diseases and bedsores, being rich in nitrogenous substances, silica, potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate and calcium sulphate, cellulose, vitamin A and avenin. Rice also boasts emollient and anti-inflammatory properties; it has a high adsorbent power.

Tea tree oil (oil of Memaleuca alternifolia): important antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed. Tea tree oil is usually complexed with cyclodextrins obtained from potato starch: cyclodextrins represent a product of biotechnological derivation that allows the herbal formulation to act longer, because the active ingredients present are encapsulated and in this way they are able to perform their action over time, being gradually freed from cyclodextrins.

Olive (dry extract of European olea): flavonoids and simple phenols are extracted from the leaves of the olive tree, which promote anti-inflammatory and antiseptic activity. Bacteria can nest in the sores which enhance the inflammation of the area.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (Citrus × paradisi) the bioflavonoids and terpenes present act as powerful disinfectants and antiseptics against fungi, bacteria and parasites.

Prevention

Considering that the ailment in question is very delicate, the use of the herbal products described above must always be accompanied by some prevention rules: turn the patient to avoid stagnation of blood, use socks and shoes that promote perspiration of the feet since increased sweating can cause bacterial proliferation. Physiotherapy and muscle strengthening are also very effective in restoring the patient suffering from pressure sores, always associating a balanced diet free of excesses.