The use of honey-derived dressings to promote effective wound management

Clinical observations suggest that honey holds significant promise as an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions and particularly in the management of non-healing wounds. This article explores the healing properties of sterilised honey in the management of chronic leg ulcers. The anti-inflammatory effects of honey can help to resolve both acute and chronic inflammation often found in static, non-healing wounds. The agent responsible for this is a very weak solution of hydrogen peroxide, designed to protect the honeycomb from decay. Honey also has an anti- inflammatory effect because of its high osmolarity. This causes an outflow of fluid, helping to reduce oedema and pain. This action has the added benefit of creating a moist wound environment. Wound odour is reduced because honey inhibits the production of ammonia and sulphur. One disadvantage of the application of honey is that it can cause uncomfortable stinging and drawing sensations. Raw honey should not be used because it may contain viable spores, but use of honey has become easier with the addition of honey-impregnated dressings to the drug tariff in 2004