12/11/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
Pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers — commonly known as bedsores — are common complications among hospitalized patients. A new study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found a natural way of treating and preventing these ulcers using aloe vera gel.
Pressure ulcers are areas of damaged skin, primarily caused by prolonged pressure in a specific area or staying in one position for too long. It commonly occurs in places where the bones are close to the skin – such as the ankles, back, elbows, heels, and hip. It also is common for people who are bedridden, use a wheelchair or are immobile. These sores can cause infections, some of which can be life-threatening.
Many studies have shown that aloe vera has positive effects and benefits on the skin. In this particular study, researchers at the Arak University of Medical Sciences in Iran assessed the impact of aloe vera gel on preventing pressure ulcers in patients hospitalized in the orthopedic ward. The team recruited 80 patients to take part in the study. They split the patients into two groups: a treatment group and a control group.
All patients received routine nursing care to prevent bedsores. In addition to this, they received either pure aloe vera or a placebo to apply on the hip, sacrum (the lower back area between the hip bones), and heel areas twice a day. Then, the researchers assessed the sacral, hip, and heel of both groups on the third, seventh, and tenth day to monitor the signs of pressure ulcers.
The results revealed that the application of aloe vera gel prevented a rise in temperature, redness, swelling, and pain in the skin areas. This suggested that aloe vera gel can prevent the development of pressure ulcers in high-risk patients.
The researchers concluded that aloe vera gel is an excellent substitute for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers because it is more effective and less costly than currently available therapies.
Here are other natural remedies for treating pressure ulcers:
Read more news stories and studies on natural treatments for pressure ulcers by going to AlternativeMedicine.news.
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Tagged Under: aloe vera, aloe vera gel, alternative medicine, bedsores, decubitus ulcers, herbal medicine, natural cures, natural medicine, plant medicine, pressure ulcers, remedies, skin care, skin damage, ulcer