Improved Medihoney Gel Wound and & Burn Dressing from Derma Sciences, 0.5 oz,

Product Information

The health benefits, side effects, and risks have been considered in formulating the recommendations. In addition to its antibacterial properties, medical honey hastens the healing of wounds through its anti-inflammatory effects. The amount of wound exudate is related to the activity of the local inflammatory process, in particular in wounds, which are colonized or infected with bacteria. Thus, the anti-inflammatory action of honey reduces oedema and the amount of exudate by down regulating the inflammatory process. It also reduces pain, as the pain in wounds results from the nerve endings being sensitized by prostaglandins produced in the process of inflammation, as well from the pressure on tissues resulting from oedema. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. https://journals.lww.com/nursing/Citation/2014/07000/What_s_the_buzz_about_medical_grade_honey_.17.aspx This document is prepared and intended for use in the context of the Canadian health care system. The use of this document outside of Canada is done so at the user’s own risk.

MEDIHONEY wound and burn dressing gel contains a formula of 80% Active Leptospermum Honey (Manuka honey) and 20% natural gelling agents. It’s recommended for the treatment of non-draining to moderately draining wounds, including: Honey may contain spores from Clostridium botulinum, which are inactivated. The ready to use product is delivered sterile. It was difficult to fully assess the quality of the guideline by Rutterman et al. 18 because the publication of the guideline that was identified for inclusion in the CADTH review was only a summary document. The full guideline publication could not be reviewed as it was published only in German. Therefore, the assessment presented here was based only on the summary. The overall objectives and target populations and users were well described. The specific health questions covered by the guidelines were unclear and it was also difficult to tell whether public consultation had been sought. The methods for the literature search were not fully described beyond saying they were “systematic” and the methods for formulating the evidence-based guidelines were not described. External review and updating procedures were not specified. The single recommendation in the guideline regarding medical honey was based on two studies and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation was not described. 18 In medical terms, the moist environment of honey-dressed wounds is established by two processes: osmolarity (mentioned above) and autolytic debridement. Osmotic activity causes damaged cells to become dehydrated and die. Osmotic activity is enhanced by autolytic debridement, a process in which the body's own moisture is utilized to hydrate, soften, liquefy and finally remove dead and infected tissue. In addition to promoting healing, one of the great benefits to a moist wound environment is that dressing changes are easier and less uncomfortable for the patient.If you have any questions about applying honey to your wound, follow up with a physician. Types of honey used on wounds Medical researchers have long proven that the pH of a wound (specifically the surface area) influences all of the processes that occur at the cellular level over the course of healing. Honey is unique among sugars because of its acidity and low pH (3.2 to 4.5). This pH level is low enough to inhibit the growth of a number of dangerous bacterial pathogens: E. coli, Salmonella and P. aeruginosa are just a few examples among others. The low pH level of honey and subsequent capability to regulate the acidity of the wound environment and surrounding tissue is a crucial component in honey's ability to heal. Jull et al. 15 found that, in one trial, there was no significant difference in healing between honey and saline gauze at 16 weeks or in negative wound swabs at four weeks. 15 In another trial, the mean time to surgical closure was not significantly different between honey and povidone-iodine dressing but it was unclear whether the wounds actually healed. 15 Adverse events were not described well enough to be reported in the SR. 15 The authors of the HTA identified an additional RCT of Manuka-honey dressing versus conventional dressing and found there was no statistically significant difference in the mean duration of healing. 12 There was not enough evidence to comment on honey’s effect on infection in diabetic foot ulcer. 12 Sugar has an osmotic effect. The sugar naturally present in honey has the effect of drawing water out of damaged tissues (known as an osmotic effect). This reduces swelling and encourages the flow of lymph to heal the wound. Sugar also draws water out of bacterial cells, which can help keep them from multiplying.

Due to its high sugar content, honey also prevents pain on dressing changes as it keeps the wound surface moist by mobilizing the oedema from the surrounding tissues. Many of the studies related to honey for burns were conducted by a single research group based in India which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other clinical regions. Jull et al. 15 mentioned that practitioners using this information to inform their clinical practice need to be conscious of how well the populations and interventions presented in these studies align with their own patients and think critically about the clinical relevance to their own practice.

MEDIHONEY is a brand name wound and burn gel made from 100% Leptospermum (Manuka) honey. Manuka honey is unique in that it has antibacterial and bacterial resistant properties, meaning it prevents bacteria from building a tolerance to its beneficial effects. Thoroughly clean the wound with a saline solution. (Here’s a recipe from IntermountainHealthcare). Then, if necessary, apply a barrier cream around the edges of the wound. Barrier cream prevents skin breakdown and infection.