Effectiveness of Honey as Topical Agent in Healing

Wounds
Reyes Jr., Benedicto B.[1]
College of Nursing, Mendiola,Manila

ABSTRACT

Background:

Honey is a viscous, supersaturated sugar solution derived from nectar gathered and
modified by the honeybee and has been used since ancient times as a remedy in wound care.
Evidenced from animal studies and some trials has suggested honey may accelerate wound
healing.

Objective:

Cognizant to this, the researcher deemed it necessary to see the effectiveness of honey
as a topical agent in healing wounds.

Search strategy:

The researcher searched the Cochrane Library, and several other electronic databases,
articles. Bibliographies were searched.

Selection criteria:

Randomized and quasi randomized trials was used by the original researchers that
evaluated honey as a treatment for any sort of acute or chronic wound were sought. The
investigator used a retrospective method to conduct the study, the effectiveness of honey as a
topical agent in healing wounds. There was no restriction in terms of source, date of publication
or language. Wound healing was the primary endpoint.

Data collection and analysis:

Data from eligible review of related literatures were extracted and summarized using a
data extraction sheet by one author and independently verified by a second author.

Main results:

Honey has a healing time of 1-5 days in acute minor wounds such as Lacerations or
shallow abrasions. Conventional dressing has a healing time of 5-6 days as compared honey
with healing time of 4-5 days in treating partial thickness burns. The healing time of mixed
partial and full thickness burns is about 13 -14 days. Also, it is more effective to use honey with
the healing time 0f 10-11 days compared to sulfadiazine with 15-16 days of healing time in
treating Superficial burns grade I – II. And, it is more effective to use honey with the healing
time 0f 10-11 days compared to sulfadiazine with 15-16 days of healing time in treating Leg
ulcers, Pressure ulcers, Diabetic ulcers, Burns grade I – III. Honey is more effective with 1-3 days
healing time compared to saline soaked solution with 2-3 days in treating uninfected grade I
and II pressure ulcer greater than 2cm diameter. Monofloral honey-soaked gauze dressing is
more effective with 6-7 days of healing time compared to EUSOL dressing with 9-10 days of
healing time in treating infection in the scrotum that involves perineum and abdominal wall.

Authors’ conclusions

Honey may improve healing times in mild to moderate superficial and partial thickness
burns compared with some conventional dressings. Honey dressings as an adjuvant to
compression do not significantly increase leg ulcer healing at 12 weeks, therefore honey is an
effective treatment for wounds. It has a healing time for 4-5 days as compared to sulfadiazine
with 7-15 days and conventional dressing with 10 days of healing time. There is insufficient
evidence to guide clinical practice in other areas.
CEUBSN 2011