Other Names:
Pressure Sores

Symptoms:
These are deep skin ulcers—especially found on buttocks, hips, sacrum, shoulder blades, elbows, and heels.

Cause:
These ulcers form during periods of prolonged bed rest, as pressure is continually applied to bony parts of the body. The bedridden elderly, the unconscious, and the paraplegic are those most likely to experience this problem.

Such individuals generally have a high pH (too alkaline), and are deficient in vitamins A, B2 (riboflavin), E, and C, as well as zinc.

Treatment:
• Apply sugar or honey poultice to the sore; it will help draw out the poisons. Local applications can also include zinc oxide ointment, aloe vera, wheat germ oil, or comfrey. Avoid meat products. Make a paste out of crushed comfrey leaves and slippery elm, and cover the sores. Wash the sores 3-4 times a day with a combination tea (witch hazel and myrrh or goldenseal). Mix powdered comfrey leaves and slippery elm in equal parts, mix with water, make a paste, spread on a cloth, and tie it over the sore. It can be left on overnight. When dry, sprinkle some powdered goldenseal or echinacea over the sores to disinfect the area; cover with cotton or wool (not a synthetic fabric).

• Improve the diet; this is crucial to solving the problem. Drink enough liquids, even when not thirsty. Avoid processed, fried, and junk food. Do not eat meat.

• The diet should include enough fiber. Oat bran is especially good. The bowels should move every day. Lower the pH with acid foods (such as cranberries).

Prevention:
• Use protective padding on the bed, massage the skin to stimulate the circulation, and keep the skin dry and clean. Turn the patient regularly. Watch for signs of redness. Occasional sunlight to the skin is beneficial. Sponge bathe daily with a mild herbal soap (never with harsh soaps). The bed must be kept clean and the sheet without wrinkles. Sheepskin bed covers help disperse weight more evenly. The use of air or water mattresses can be helpful. Sponge baths are helpful. Loose-fitting clothing allows air to penetrate to the skin (cotton is best). If the patient can sit up, have him do it 3-4 times a day. Sometimes prop him up with a pillow.

• Give a well-balanced, adequate diet. Give plenty of greens and carrot juice. Give vitamins A, B, C, E, and zinc.

• Apply vitamin E oil to the skin area.

• The alternate hot and cold compress is very helpful. This is a fomentation application with the application of a cold compress after it.