How to Treat and Heal Bedsores in Elderly Patients Naturally

Dear Sulbha Honrao ji,

Bedsore, also called a pressure ulcer, happens when continuous pressure on the same area of skin reduces blood flow and damages the skin and underlying tissues. At 86 years of age, the skin is more fragile and healing can be slower.

Since your mother has had the bedsore for around 1½ months, she should be examined by a doctor or wound-care specialist rather than relying only on home remedies. The treatment depends on the depth and stage of the wound.

What Should You Do Now?

The most important step is to completely reduce pressure on the affected area.

• Change her position regularly and avoid keeping her continuously on the wound.

• Use a pressure-relieving mattress or appropriate cushion.

• Keep the wound and surrounding skin clean and dry.

• If the wound is open, it should generally be cleaned with sterile saline or an appropriate wound cleanser and covered with a suitable dressing recommended by a healthcare professional. (Mayo Clinic)

• If she has difficulty moving, a caregiver should help with repositioning.

• Check her skin every day for new redness, swelling or wounds.

• Keep bedding clean, dry and free of wrinkles.

• If urine or stool is frequently coming into contact with the wound, protect the surrounding skin with an appropriate moisture-barrier product.

Nutrition Is Very Important

Poor nutrition and dehydration can delay bedsore healing. Make sure she receives adequate fluids, calories and protein, unless her doctor has restricted these because of another medical condition. 

Depending on her health, her doctor or dietitian may recommend protein-rich foods or nutritional supplements.

If she has diabetes, blood sugar should also be properly controlled because poor circulation and diabetes can increase the risk of pressure-ulcer complications.

Do Not Try These Home Remedies

Avoid putting household remedies, powders, toothpaste, oils or undirected antiseptic chemicals on an open bedsore.

Do not cut or remove black/dead tissue yourself. Deep or infected wounds may require professional cleaning/debridement, special dressings, antibiotics when infection is present, and occasionally surgery.

Also avoid donut-shaped cushions because they can concentrate pressure around the wound rather than properly relieving it.

When Is Immediate Medical Attention Needed?

Please seek urgent medical care if she develops

• Fever or chills

• Pus or increasing discharge

• Bad smell from the wound

• Increasing redness, warmth or swelling

• Severe or worsening pain

• Blackening of the surrounding tissue

• Increasing weakness or confusion

These can indicate infection. A deep pressure ulcer can sometimes spread into deeper tissues or bone and, in severe cases, lead to sepsis. 

Can a Bedsore Be Cured?

Yes, many pressure ulcers can heal with proper wound care, pressure relief, adequate nutrition and treatment of the underlying cause. However, a bedsore present for 1½ months in an 86-year-old should not be managed with home remedies alone. The wound needs to be assessed for its stage and depth so the correct dressing and treatment can be selected.

If you can share where the bedsore is located (back, hip, tailbone, heel, etc.), its approximate size, whether it is open, and whether there is pus/black tissue or bad smell, we can guide you more specifically about what type of medical care is needed.

Please share your city and state,  We can help you connect with appropriate doctors and wound-care specialists at partner hospitals and assist with consultation and treatment coordination.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth