Health Tip: Treating a Bedsore

(HealthDay News) -- Bedsores are skin injuries that occur when a person stays in one position in a bed, wheelchair, or other device for long periods. With continued pressure on the same area, the skin begins to break down, creating a sore.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to treat a bedsore:

• Immediately relieve pressure on the skin, using pillows, foam cushions or sheepskin.
• Clean and treat the sore regularly and thoroughly, according to your doctor''s instructions. Proper cleaning is a must to prevent infection.
• Rinse the skin regularly with a salt water solution to help remove any loose, dead tissue around the area.
• Reduce friction and trauma to the skin by sprinkling the linens or chair with a light powder.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and treat any underlying conditions that can impede the healing process.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Aug. 10, 2007

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