Author: Shadi Norbakhsh, Nurse – Rose Hill Care at Home
Bed sores, also called pressure sores, happen when a person stays in the same
position for too long. This pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin, and the skin starts to
break down, leading to damage to both superficial and deeper tissues. People who stay
in bed a lot, use a wheelchair, or have trouble moving on their own are most at risk.
The good news is that many simple steps can help prevent bed sores. These methods
are simple and can be done at home, but it is still important to talk to a healthcare
professional about the patients.The most critical steps for managing and preventing bed
sores are lifestyle and care-based, not just drugs.
The most important step is reducing pressure on the skin to improve blood circulation.
● If in bed → change position every 2 hours
● If in a wheelchair → shift weight every 15–30 minutes
Even small movements help improve blood flow and protect the skin.
The primary cause of bed sores is prolonged pressure. Use pressure-relieving
cushions, foam pads, booties, or specialized mattresses.Special pads can reduce
pressure on sensitive areas like the heels, hips, and lower back.
● Foam cushions
● Gel pads
● Air mattresses
● Heel protectors
Gently wash the underpressure area with mild soap and warm water or a saline
solution, then pat dry. Keeping the area clean and dry helps prevent infection. Moisture
makes skin weaker and easier to break.
● Gently wash the pressure area with mild soap and warm water
● Pat dry—don’t rub
● Change wet clothes or bedding right away
● Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
● A diet rich in protein, vitamins (especially C and E), and minerals (like zinc)
is essential for preventing sores, tissue repair and faster healing.
● Protein (eggs, fish, chicken, beans)
● Fruits and vegetables
● Enough water during the day
Good nutrition helps the skin repair itself. People who don’t eat well or don’t drink
enough have more bed sores.
Friction happens when the skin rubs against sheets. Shear happens when the body
slides down the bed.
To avoid these:
● Use soft sheets
● Lift the person slightly instead of dragging
● Keep the bed angle below 30 degrees unless needed for breathing or meals
This reduces skin damage
Even small amounts of movement help blood flow.
● Leg stretches
● Arm movements
● Short sitting periods (if safe)
Movement keeps muscles active and reduces pressure on the same spots.
Undergoing concomitant treatment of an underlying problem: Diabetes, poor nutrition,
anemia, and fecal and/or urinary incontinence can contribute to occurring non-healing
bedsores. Hence, the doctor will also treat these conditions aggressively to decrease
the risk of bedsore and promote the healing.
References:
1.https://farmaimpresa.com/en/aloe-vera-gel-for-pressure-sores/#:~:text=Conclusion,a%20sustainable%2
0approach%20to%20skincare.
Aloe Vera Gel for Pressure Ulcers: Efficacy and Clinical Benefits
January 2024, “Comparison of Aloe vera gel dressing with conventional dressing on pressure ulcer pain
reduction: a clinical trial,” BMC Research Notes
2.What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Bedsores?
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_fastest_way_to_get_rid_of_bedsores/article.htm Dr. Jasmine
Shaikh 5/13/2025
3.Home Remedies for Bed Sores in Seniors and the Elderly
Dr Amita Jain – Top General and Laparoscopic Surgeon in Delhi, India
https://www.dramitajain.com/blog/2024/10/06/home-remedies-bed-sores-surgeon-skin-graft-surgery/
