The best treatment for bedsores in the elderly

  The treatment of decubitus ulcers is divided into two steps: 1) release the skin tissue from continuous pressure; 2) choose the appropriate treatment according to the severity of the decubitus ulcers, applying medication in mild cases and requiring debridement surgery in severe cases.  Decubitus ulcers are necrosis-like changes caused by long-term pressure on local tissues and persistent hypoxia and ischemia, which may be accompanied by local rupture. They occur in people who are bedridden for long periods of time and have poor nutritional status, especially in the elderly who are paralyzed. If the cause persists, treatment of decubitus ulcers can only be palliative and is highly prone to recurrence. It can be treated by nursing staff helping to turn the patient regularly (1 hour/time is recommended), or by using an airbed, which allows the pressure point to change by changing the inflation status of the airbed to avoid prolonged pressure at a certain point. Attention is also paid to improving the nutritional status of the patient, with more high-quality protein (fish, lean meat) and dietary fiber (vegetables, fruits, coarse grains, etc.) to ensure the supply of raw materials for tissue repair. In terms of medication, for mild cases, topical application of silver ion-containing ointment or Bactrim ointment is sufficient to control local infection. Topical application of sodium heparin, etc. increases local blood circulation after the skin is restored to integrity. For severe cases, surgical debridement or even surgical removal of necrotic tissue, surface sterilization, etc. are required.  For decubitus ulcers, the right cause and symptomatic treatment are equally important, and good care is the focus of treatment.