How to manage bed sores in bed ridden individuals?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern.

I have gone through the details that you have provided and have viewed the image (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity) and I do understand your concern. Firstly, I would like to advise you to have a doctor check the bedsore which has been formed, in person. The reason why I am specifying the same is, from the image that has been provided it seems like the bed sore has formed an eschar. An eschar is a dark purplish black pigmented tissue that usually forms in case the bed sore becomes severe. In this situation, the dark material that has been formed needs to be removed since there is a possibility that the tissue in that area is no longer active, and without its removal it can contaminate the area and cause a bacterial infection. Apart from the same, the area needs to be removed from any debris and any unwanted slough (which means the area which has been contaminated with bacteria), so that the bed sore can heal properly. It also requires a doctor to start an antibiotic for the same through IV. A healthy-looking bed sore would appear pinkish to mild red. Usually, a bed sore is considered to be severe when it turns to more reddish, and painful, and sometimes can cause bleeding, along with changing into a purplish black color. In this situation, it is always mandatory to have a doctor inspect the wound in person and remove the damaged skin to let it heal. In the case of bed sore dressing, the doctor would use an alginate or a hydrocolloid dressing, which helps absorb the excess moisture from the affected area, and helps it heal faster.

A dressing starts by cleaning the wound under running saline water, or gently cleaning the area with saline water which has been dipped in gauze very carefully. Apart from the same, it is not advised to use any other disinfectant or antiseptic in the form of hydrogen peroxide or betadine to wash the affected area. Following the same, it is advised to apply an alginate dressing or hydrocolloid dressing which is available in medical stores, and keep the wound lightly dressed to avoid any pollutants from contaminating the bedsore even further. This has to be done once a day. Apart from the same, it is advised to use a water bed or an air bed to avoid the formation of deeper and more severe bed sores. However, from the current image and the details that you have provided, it is very important to have a doctor inspect the area and undergo the removal of the damaged tissue, and start your father on antibiotics which is very important. The doctor will guide you regarding the dressing.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

I am glad the details helped you.

As you have mentioned your father was admitted for six days and was administered antibiotics which is definitely good. However, from the images, the bed sore appears to have formed an eschar as I had mentioned, which is a sign of damaged tissue which has formed, and keeping it intact can cause severe bacterial infection. Therefore, my humble advice would be to if possible take your father to a nearby hospital and have the bed sore inspected by a general surgeon in person. Most probably, admission may also be required following which the tissue that is damaged will be removed and a proper dressing will be done by your doctor. Most probably, based on the image and the details,(attachments removed to protect patient's identity) an IV antibiotic repeat may be needed in order to settle the current infection. In short, Yes, direct consultation with a doctor through hospitalization is definitely advised from my end. If traveling is difficult, you may have a surgeon inspect the affected area at home first, and then based on their advice hospitalization may be considered.

I hope this helps. Take care and have a great day ahead.

Thank you