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Tim-
Try an Aloe Vera based lip balm, but be careful for petroleum based products- they clog pores.
Tina LVN

J. White

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As you may already know,chelation therapy was used early on as a way to remove heavy metals from the body.Its uses and or effectiveness for the myriad of ailments some practioners use and "sell it" for are conterversial@best...Your best bet is to do medical research publication search available in many forms on the internet!

Johnny

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I saw nothing in your description that would contraindicate ES. It's an antimicrobial, stimulates the body to fight infection and autolytically
debrides tissue, and increase granulation tissue formation. Additionally, there were two studies published last year that demonstrated an increase in tissue perfusion in ischemic legs. However, with that surgical plan in place (I assume in the very near
future), there is not much need at this point. A plan at this point could probably include dressings, such as an antimicrobial or enzymatic debrider, in addition to a med like Plavix to aid in arterial
circulation.
Renee C., MSPT, MPH, CWS

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Lucy-
I agree with you, e-stim isn't appropriate right now, you don't want to share the wounds problems with the rest of the body. Look into Hydrofera Blue- I am a "believe it when I see it" person and had a obese diabetic with PVD and multiple known DVTs Stg 4 on the bottom off her foot (VRE positive), healed in one month after sharp debridement.
The Hydrofera Blue you change every 3-5 days, the trick is you have to hydrate it everyday (just a little NS squirt) or it will dehydrate your wound and stick to the wound bed worse then Duoderm on a dry area.
Tina LVN

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Boil 4 cups of tap water for 5 minutes and add 2 tsps of table salt. Boil until salt is dissolved and pour into a container that has been rinsed with boiling water. I believe this can be kept for a week, but I’d put it in the refrigerator. No evidence for or against that.

Laurie M. Rappl, PT, CWS

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We routinely advise our home care clients that preparing their own normal saline for wound care is easy and much cheaper than purchasing commercially prepared saline. We only allow home prepared NS for wounds being treated with Medical Asepsis (or "clean no-touch technique"). We have a typed instruction sheet that advises the following steps...
1.Place clean jar and screw cap in a saucepan
2.Cover with water. Cover saucepan with lid and bring water to a full boil.Boil for 20 minutes.
3.In second saucepan, add water and table salt (at ratio of 1 tsp of salt for every 2 cups (pint) of water) and boil for 10 minutes.
4.Remove jar and cap from pot without contaminating inner surfaces (like when canning).
5.Pour sterilized saline mixture from second saucepan into jar and screw top on tightly
6.Label jars indicating the contents and date of sterilization.
Jars may be placed in fridge and will keep for weeks if not opened. Once opened, jar should not be refrigerated and should be replaced qwk.
KR RNBN

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Dear Debbie,

Normal Saline is just 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 cc) salt to 1 liter of water. I find a tight sealing glass jar with a lid that has a rubber ring around the rim. Jelly jars work well as do small baby formula bottles. May use any
canning jar. Fill the jar with tap water and microwave it on high just until it starts to boil. Then I microwave it on low or defrost to keep it at boiling point but not necessarily boiling for another 3-5 minutes. To this
sterile water I add the appropriate amount of salt and immediately screw lid on, tightly sealing as if you were canning jelly or whatever. The saline can
be allowed to cool and remains virtually sterile until you pop the seal and open it.

To figure the amount of salt to use, take the ml of water it will be mixed in divided by 1000. That answer times 7.5 cc will give you the cc of salt to
use.

If patient has no microwave the jar(s) can be simmered in water on the stove top. I suggest putting a small towel or some barrier under jars so they
don't crack from direct heat.

Hope this is helpful.

D. Farlin RN

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Debbie,
To prepare saline solution at home, you can use 1 litre of water to a boil and allow it to boil for 5 minutes. You should then add 2 teaspoons of table salt and stir it until the salt is completely dissolved. The solution can be stored for up to 1 week, at room temperture, in a tightly covered glass or plastic container.
Flora, RN, ET, BN, Msc

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1 quart (4 cups) distilled water or boil 1 quart (4cups) tap water for 5 minutes. Do not use well water or sea water.

Add 2 teaspoons of table salt to the distilled or boiled water. NOTE: for a smaller amount use 1 teaspoon salt to 2 cups boiled water.

Be sure your storage container and mixing utensil are clean (boiled for 5 minutes). Mix the solution well until the salt is completely dissolved.

Cool to room temperature before using. This solution can be stored at room temperature in a tightly covered glass or plastic bottle for up to 1 week.

Becky, PT

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I believe you can find it in the AHCPR Guidelines "Treating Pressure Ulcers."
However, spray cans of Wound Wash Saline are available in the drug stores in the first aid section. Not all drug stores carry it though.

Nancy B., RN, CWCN

unsigned

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Not technically. However, friction and shear are sometimes called stage II pressure ulcers. Personally, I would call this a traumatic
wound, and label as full or partial thickness.

Renee C, MSPT, MPH, CWS

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Yes, from friction. Becky, PT

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Nancy,
No, it's shearing, rug burn. If it is a constant issue or you are having trouble treating the area try unnaboots wrapped in coban changed every 2-3 days until closed then thigh high TEDs or JOBST for protection.
Tina LVN

Fade