Alternative Therapies

Honey- Honey consists of simple sugars and is both

sterile and inhibits growth of both Gram-negative and
Gram-positive organisms. Its antibiotic properties are
attributed to its low pH, a thermolabile substance called
inhibine, and its hygroscopic properties.

Molan summarized the clinical base evidence

supporting the use of honey as a wound dressing. This
review reported the findings of 17 randomized controlled
trials involving 1965 participants, as well as 5 clinical
trials of other forms involving 97 participants treated with
honey.
 Alternative Medicinals
The wound types treated with honey during
these control trials were either superficial burns,
partial thickness wounds, moderate burns, third
degree burns, chronic leg ulcers, pressure
ulcers, and surgical wounds.

These studies compared honey to either silver

sulfadiazine, amniotic membrane, Vaseline
gauze, an occlusive dressing, mupirocin,
povidone-iodine, or a boiled potato peel.

Commercial products released in 2007

 Alternative Medicinals
This review presents a large body of evidence
supporting the use of honey as a wound
dressing for a wide range of wounds because its
antibacterial activity rapidly clears infection and
protects the wound and it provides a moist
healing environment without the risk of bacterial
growth occurring. Also, honey rapidly debrides
wounds and removes malodor and its anti-
inflammatory activity reduces edema and
exudate and prevents or minimizes hypertrophic
scarring.