CHAPTER 8 THE USE OF HONEY IN WOUND MANAGEMENT

Part I: The use of honey in the treatment of meningococcal skin lesions A preliminary report of this case study was first published in April 2000 in the Nursing Times (Dunford, 2000). It had a huge impact and was immediately picked up by the media. The fact that such a natural agent as honey could be responsible for healing such devastating lesions in a young adult so badly affected by meningococcal septicaemia made it newsworthy. There followed numerous national and local newspaper reports as well as TV and radio appearances both nationally and also in New Zealand and Australia. This positive attention no doubt also helped the patient, referred to as Jem, come to terms with his experience. It also introduced honey as a healing agent to the general public and health practitioners alike, and began the significant public and professional interest in honey that has grown in recent years. Patient history Jem was fifteen when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia. His was a classic presentation of feeling unwell with myalgia and nausea for a few hours before collapsing. Meningoccocal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis that is found in human nasopharyngeal tract. Under certain conditions, such as concomitant viral infection or reduced immune response, penetration of the mucosa leading to Chap 8.indd 116 5/4/05 5:38:40 am The use of honey in wound managemen