BED SORES

    Also known as decubitus ulcers, bedsores Occur when people are bedfast or confined to a wheelchair. A lamb's wool or "egg carton" foam pad can be placed under the person to prevent the deep crater sores from forming. Daily inspection is important to identify the blanched skin heralding the onset of a bedsore. Once started, bedsores can lead to infections and delayed healing. Prevention is the best treatment.

    * Healing begins at the outer edges and works inward when pressure is removed from the area. Apply T36-C5 to any blanched skin areas before the sore begins. It can often be halted at this stage. If a sore is present, gently wash the area with Antibacterial Liquid Soap enriched with one capful of Sol-U-Mel in 1 qt of warm water, Apply Triple Antibiotic Ointment or MelaGel. Cover with loose gauze. Use a minimum amount of tape. Repeat washing and Triple Antibiotic Ointment every 8 hours until the wound heals. This can take from one day to several weeks depending upon the overall health of the individual. Some health care facilities will not allow the T36-C5 to be brought in without a physician's orders. In such cases, Renew Intensive Skin Therapy or Moisturizing Hand Creme has been used very effectively. They can also be used as covering lotion after the bedsore has been treated.
    It is important to couple treatment with preventive actions that will help prevent future bedsores from forming. Minimizing pressure on areas prone to develop sores is crucial. Placing pillows, cushions and ripple types of pressurized mattresses under the patient will help decrease the chances of the patient developing future sores. Sheepskin wraps for the heels and buttocks may also be helpful. A. growing list of long-term care-staffs are now using Melaleuca alternifolia oil and products containing the oil,
having discovered the oil's effectiveness in accelerating healing and alleviating patient discomfort.
    WARNING: Bedsores should be taken very seriously in diabetics, persons on immune-suppressive drugs, and those with leg ulcers due to poor circulation.