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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain Due To Bed Sores

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Posted on Sat, 11 Feb 2017
Question: Hi,
I need help with treating the pain associated with my wife's bed sores. Is there some kind of topical medication to numb the pain that you can recommend? Thank You
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please give additional information and post clear photographs.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/65 - bed sore - painful - need help in treating pain associated with bedsore - wants to know whether there is some kind of topical medication to numb the pain - using Emuaid helping healing but not with pain ...

Bed-sores are usually result of the reduction in the blood supply as well as nervous supply of the skin and the underlying tissues on the pressure-points hence usually painless.
If there is pain associated with bed-sore the possibilities are:
Infection.
Nerve entrapment or exposure.
Hence it is important to know the cause of first, as if the infection is present, needs antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
There may be associated diseases which need to be perfectly under control.
Water -bed to distribute the pressure all over are is very important.

Please provide further information and post clear and focused photographs attached to this query so that I can assist you better.

There is no topical medication that can numb the pain in bedsores.
You may please give anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen with painkiller properties and may need prescription based medication depending upon the cause and severity of pains.

Awaiting for your feedback and photos (preferably)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Thank You for the response.

Not able to send photos now however the sores are about 1.5 inches x 2.5 inches in size oblong and located on center of each buttocks. The skin area immediately surrounding the sores is smooth and closed but reddish to purple in color

The pain or discomfort seems to be from the wound healing and forming large scab/s which crack and become hard. These scabs are still partially attach to skin below.

Unfortunately my wife is not able to lay in a bed now for other health reasons mostly difficulty breathing. She sleeps when her condition allows in a reclining chair which we know makes things more difficult from a healing standpoint.

Can you please tell me if it is still best to keep the wounds covered and dressed at this stage while it is scabbing over and if so what is the best product/s or type of bandage or dressing to use and should emuaid medication be applied to
underside of dressing. How often to change bandage/dressing?

Thank You
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Noted the feedback you have provided and understood how difficult it is to manage , I can understand.
The best way is to use medical spirit if it is available to you, this helps in keeping the area sterile. If spirit is not available you may please use Liquid Povidone Iodine, apply to all the affected area and surrounding all the skin, let is dry.
If the wounds are open, oozing and infected, then only dressing may be needed and if needed then it should be Sterile gauze and Liquid Povidone Iodine like Betadine should be used. Ointments are better avoided as it may cause more harm.
It looks to be infection that has changed the color of the surrounding to reddish or purple and needs an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medicine.
The cause of the difficulty in breathing must be found out as low oxygenation due to it can delay healing.

I hope this answer helps you.
Will be waiting to see the actual photographs.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19779 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain Due To Bed Sores

Brief Answer: Please give additional information and post clear photographs. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. To recapitulate: Female/65 - bed sore - painful - need help in treating pain associated with bedsore - wants to know whether there is some kind of topical medication to numb the pain - using Emuaid helping healing but not with pain ... Bed-sores are usually result of the reduction in the blood supply as well as nervous supply of the skin and the underlying tissues on the pressure-points hence usually painless. If there is pain associated with bed-sore the possibilities are: Infection. Nerve entrapment or exposure. Hence it is important to know the cause of first, as if the infection is present, needs antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. There may be associated diseases which need to be perfectly under control. Water -bed to distribute the pressure all over are is very important. Please provide further information and post clear and focused photographs attached to this query so that I can assist you better. There is no topical medication that can numb the pain in bedsores. You may please give anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen with painkiller properties and may need prescription based medication depending upon the cause and severity of pains. Awaiting for your feedback and photos (preferably)