How to Treat Bed Sores in Ayurveda?
As Per Ayurveda Aspect
Bed sores are caused due to the vitiation of Vata and pitta dosha. These doshas get accumulated in the channels of the vessels which also vitiate the Vata Dosha. These vitiated doshas hamper the nutrition to the tissue elements and skin. Due to this accumulation, the skin becomes inflamed.
As Per Modern Aspect
Bedsores can affect the people who spend a long time in the same position due to some diseases such as illness, paralysis and also due to old age and frailty. These are also called as pressure ulcers and pressure sores that can happen when there is unrelieved pressure or friction that can affect any part of the body but the body parts around the knees, elbows, heels, ankles, and coccyx are more susceptible to this condition. These sores may develop quickly and can be healed quickly if the proper treatment is taken.
What are the Causes of Bed Sores?
Bed sores are caused due to the pressure against the skin that limits the flow of blood to the skin. Other causes that may be related to the limited mobility can make the skin vulnerable to damage and may contribute to the damage of pressure sores.
Three Main Factors are
1. Friction
Friction occurs when the one stays for a longer period of time and cannot change the position which is at risk of developing these sores. The skin rubs against the clothes that make the skin fragile and more vulnerable to injury, it occurs especially when the skin is moist.
2. Pressure
Constant or long-time pressure on any part of the body can lessen the flow of blood towards the body tissues. The proper blood flow is very essential to deliver oxygen and other important nutrients to the tissues. If the flow of blood and nutrients is hampered then the skin and nearby tissues are damaged and they may die.
3. Shear
Shear occurs when the two surfaces move in the opposite direction. You may take an example when the bed is elevated at the head and you can slide down in bed. When the tailbone moves in the downward direction and the skin over the bone might stay in place –pulls in the opposite direction. These injured tissues develop an infection and also can spread to the other parts which can lead to serious illness.
What are the Symptoms of Bed Sores?
- Bed sores can occur in those people who are unable to move because of serious disorders such as paralysis, chronic illness or old age.
- Patients who are using a wheelchair have a high risk of developing bed sores on their different body parts. Such common sites are spine, buttocks and tail bone, shoulder blades, back of arms or legs, etc. People who are confined to bed have the risks of developing bed sores on the following sites such as hip, shoulder blades, sides or back region of the head, lower back or tail bone, ankles, heels or may be behind the knees.
Some Warning Signs of Bed Sores are
- Unusual changes in skin texture or color
- Drainage of pus
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- A sensation of hot or cold on touch the affected areas
Several stages of bed sores are based on their severity, depth, and other characteristics. Change in the skin and damage of tissues ranges from red, unbroken skin to a deep injury along with the involvement of bones and muscles.
What are the Risk Factors of Bed Sores?
People who are at a greater risk of developing bed sores if they have difficulty in moving and inability to change their position while seated or on the bed. Such risk factors include
1. Poor Nutrition and Hydration
Intake of proper fluids, proteins, calories, minerals, and vitamins in the daily diet is very essential to maintain the health of the skin and prevents the breakdown of body tissues.
2. Immobility
This is due to poor health or any other spine related problems or any other causes.
3. Lack of Sensory Perception
Neurological or spinal injuries may lead to loss of sensation. When there is an inability to feel any pain or discomfort there is a need to change the position.
4. Medical Conditions That affect the Blood Flow
There are several health problems that may lead to affect the blood flow such as vascular diseases, diabetes which can increase the risk of damage of tissues.
Natural Treatment for Bed Sores
Planet Ayurveda is providing the best herbal treatment for bed sores which is 100% natural, pure and formulated by natural and authentic herbs such as bed sores care pack. This pack contains natural herbs that are free from colors, additives, preservatives, and fillers. These herbs have a tendency to alleviate the symptoms related to bed sores.
This Pack Contains
1. Nirgundi Oil
In this shloka, actions and therapeutic uses of Nirgundi are explained. Nirgundi is pungent, hot, bitter in taste. It treats worm infestation, leprosy, pacifies Vata, and Kapha dosha, cures spleen diseases, abdominal tumor and anorexia.
(Reference: Dhanvantari nighantu Page no. 144 and shloka no. 74)
Nirgundi acts as a pain killer and soothes the redness and swelling around the affected areas. This herb also acts as an anesthetic that blocks the pain and works on it by narrowing the blood vessels that gives instant relief to the patient. This oil is prepared from the leaves of Nirgundi and extract of other effective herbs such as Kalihari, Manjistha, and Haridra. All these herbs reduce the swelling and tenderness.
Usage: This oil is used only for local application. Apply it on the affected area with the cotton swab two or three times a day daily.
2. Jatyadi Oil
Jatyadi oil is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that heals the non-healing wounds quickly such as abscess, sores, sinus, bite wounds, blisters, etc. This oil is also very useful in burns, hemorrhoids and anal fissures. According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, this herb balances Pitta and Kapha dosha in the body.
Usage: Apply this oil on the affected area twice or thrice daily.
3. Kaishore Guggul
Kaishore guggul is an effective herbal formulation helpful in vitiating the accumulation of pitta dosha in the affected skin in which there is a pain as well as inflammation. This formulation contains natural blood purifying herbs like haritaki, bibhitaki and Amalaki (Triphala) and giloy so that it works as a great natural remedy to detox. It contains other effective herbs like long pepper, Guduchi, ginger, guggul, vidanga, etc and all these herbs eliminate the toxins from the body.
Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with plain water after the intake of food.
4. Gandhak Rasayan
These tablets are prepared from the pure gandhak (purified sulfur) which has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains other herbs like Patra, haritaki, vibhitaki, Amalaki, cinnamon, shunthi, nagakeshara, etc. All these herbs improve the health and complexion of the affected skin by removing its dead surface. Being an immuno-modulator, it boosts up the functioning of the immune system and helps to fight against infections.
Dosage: 2 tablets to be taken twice daily with plain water after meals.
5. Boswellia Curcumin
These capsules are formulated with the pure extracts of Boswellia carteri or Boswellia serrata and Curcuma longa that fight against various infections. This combination of herbs is helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation to a greater extent. These capsules also reduce the stiffness, tenderness and restricted movements of the body parts.
Dosage: 2 capsules to be taken daily with water after the intake of food.
6. Neem Capsules
Neem capsules contain pure and standardized extract of neem (Azadirachtaindica) bark. This herb has been used in Ayurveda for many years because it has various medicinal properties. It is useful in cough, fever, loss of appetite and worm infestation. According to Ayurveda, it helps to heal wounds and vitiates Kapha Dosha. These capsules act as a blood purifier that removes the toxins from the body.
Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day daily after the intake of food.
7. Tea Tree Soap
Tea tree soap heals the inflammation and reduces the oiliness. It also removes the damaged skin and clears the blemishes, rashes, and pimples.
Usage: Wet the skin with warm water and apply this soap gently over the affected skin as well as on the whole body then wash it with water. Use this soap every day for at least once or twice a day or when required. Then apply the above-mentioned oils on the affected areas.
