Hi, please suggest best, progressive and accelerated treatment for bedsores on Buttocks.
My uncle had Hip surgery on May 28 and bed ridden from them, now we are trying to sit, stand and walk with help of Physiotherapist.
But he had BED SORES on Buttocks.
Right leg buttock has big patch and left one is smaller. He had surgery on right leg.
Please suggest what would be the care and which specialist I need to consult.
Answers (26)
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Dr. Harshal Bagde’s Clinical Opinion
Based on the information provided:
* Male, 67 years
* Diabetes for 25 years
* Chronic Kidney Disease (Creatinine 2.5 mg/dL)
* Hip surgery on 28 May with plates and screws
* Bedridden after surgery
* Developing pressure sores (bedsores) over both buttocks, larger on the operated side
This patient is high-risk for progression of pressure ulcers because of:
1. Long-standing diabetes (poor wound healing)
2. CKD (impaired tissue repair)
3. Recent major surgery
4. Prolonged immobilization
5. Advanced age
First Priority: Determine the Stage of Bedsore
A physical examination is necessary to determine whether the ulcer is:
* Stage 1: Red, non-blanching skin
* Stage 2: Superficial skin loss/blister
* Stage 3: Deep ulcer with fat visible
* Stage 4: Muscle, tendon, or bone exposed
If there is black tissue, foul smell, pus, fever, or increasing pain, the wound may be infected and requires urgent assessment.
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Which Specialist Should You Consult?
The best specialist would be:
1. Plastic Surgeon (Wound Care Specialist) – Preferred
2. General Surgeon experienced in wound care
3. Diabetologist for glucose optimization
4. Nephrologist for CKD management
5. Orthopedic surgeon follow-up for hip surgery
A plastic surgeon can assess whether debridement, advanced dressings, VAC therapy, or flap surgery is required.
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Immediate Home Care Measures
1. Pressure Relief (Most Important)
Turn the patient every 2 hours:
* Back → Left side → Back → Right side
* Avoid prolonged sitting
Use:
* Air mattress (alternating pressure mattress)
* Soft foam cushions
* Pillows under thighs and calves
Avoid direct pressure on the ulcer.
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2. Wound Cleaning
Daily dressing with:
* Normal saline wash
* Avoid strong antiseptics like concentrated Dettol or hydrogen peroxide repeatedly, as they may delay healing
The dressing type depends on the wound appearance:
* Hydrocolloid dressing
* Foam dressing
* Silver dressing (if infection suspected)
A wound-care specialist should decide the most appropriate dressing.
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3. Nutrition
Wound healing requires adequate protein.
Discuss with the nephrologist because of CKD, but generally:
* High-quality protein within kidney-safe limits
* Eggs (if permitted)
* Paneer
* Protein supplements formulated for CKD patients
Check:
* Hemoglobin
* Serum albumin
* HbA1c
Poor nutrition is a common reason for non-healing bedsores.
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4. Diabetes Control
Target blood sugars should be optimized.
Poor glucose control can significantly delay healing and increase infection risk.
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Advanced Treatments for Faster Healing
Depending on wound stage:
Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC Therapy)
* Accelerates granulation tissue formation
* Removes wound exudate
* Often useful in Stage 3 and Stage 4 ulcers
Surgical Debridement
* Removal of dead tissue
* Required if necrotic tissue is present
Silver-based Dressings
* Useful when bacterial burden is high
Flap Reconstruction
* Reserved for large, deep chronic ulcers
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Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Medical Review
Seek immediate medical attention if:
* Fever
* Pus discharge
* Foul odor
* Black tissue
* Rapid increase in ulcer size
* Increasing redness around the wound
* Confusion or weakness
* Blood sugar becoming uncontrolled
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My Recommendation
Given the patient’s diabetes, CKD, and the description of a “big patch” on the right buttock, I would advise evaluation by a Plastic Surgeon/Wound Care Specialist within the next 24–48 hours, rather than relying solely on home dressings. Early intervention can prevent progression to deep ulcers, infection, osteomyelitis, and prolonged hospitalization.
If possible, please upload a clear photograph of both bedsores. I can help estimate the stage of the pressure ulcer and suggest the most appropriate dressing strategy.
Bed sores after hip surgery in an elderly patient need immediate attention. The most critical step is pressure relief â get an alternating pressure air mattress or good quality anti-decubitus foam mattress as soon as possible, as no cream or dressing will work without this. He should be repositioned every 2 hours in bed, and the affected area must be kept clean and dry at all times. A barrier cream (zinc oxide-based) and appropriate wound dressings should be applied over the sores. The physiotherapy and mobilization you are already doing is excellent and should continue as tolerated.
Next Steps
Please consult a wound care specialist or plastic surgeon for proper wound staging and dressing guidance. Also ensure good nutrition with adequate protein for wound healing. Please consult me directly on Practo for a detailed evaluation.
Please consult a general surgeon or if you have access consult a plastic surgeon .
Other than above mentioned consultation please consider
1. Using alpha bed or air bed
2. Change body position to either of the sides frequently.
3. Wound dressing regularly
4. If he is diabetic, control his sugars
Next Steps
consult me if you need any help with diabetes control . A general surgeon or plastic surgeon would be apt to consult for wound care.
Water mattress, ring with central hole so air will be there.
Dressing
Clean with betadine swab apply
Mega heal ointment two times a day after proper cleaning.
Oral
Augmentine duo625 three times a day after food for 10 days.
Zerodol sp three times a day after food for 7 days
T bact ointment locally first to apply than mega heal
DIABETIC HISTORY?
You will drink alcohol and smoking ?
I need a mode of detailed history ?
What surgery can it do?
You will clean the wound with hygiene dressing
Send me the photo clearly and fix the appointment in Practo
This is pressure sore or bed sore which your uncle has developed due to prolonged immobilisation following hip surgery.
Change his posture make him turn to other side every alternate 2 hours.
It's better to make him sleep on air or water bed.
The wounds need foam dressing apply bed sore bandange on the wound keep it clean
Reposition the person at least every 2 hours
Clean the sore gently with saline (saltwater) or as directed by a healthcare provider.
Keep the surrounding skin clean and dry.
Eat adequate protein (eggs, fish, meat, beans, dairy).
Ensure enough calories, fluids, vitamins C and A, and zinc.
Stay hydrated
Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
Consult General Surgeon / Plastic Surgeon / Wound-care specialist soon.
Care:
2-hourly position change
Use air mattress / alternating pressure mattress
Avoid direct pressure on buttock sores
Dressing should be decided after wound check: foam / hydrocolloid / alginate / silver dressing depending on depth/discharge
Do not apply Dettol, spirit, hydrogen peroxide inside wound
Give high-protein diet: egg, dal, paneer, milk/curd, fish/chicken if allowed
Continue physio, but avoid long sitting
Urgent visit if pus, bad smell, fever, black skin, increasing redness/swelling, severe pain, or wound getting deep.
Since I can see the photo of bedsore on buttock look healthy and grade 2 stage. So I suggest keep it dry and every 3 hour position change to be done. 3 hourly positions change chart is available on Google you can google it. you follow that and most important air mattress to be placed
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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