Manuka Honey and Wound Care

The use of Manuka Honey as a wound dressing material, an ancient remedy that has been rediscovered, is becoming of increasing interest as more reports of its effectiveness are published. The clinical observations recorded are that infection is rapidly cleared, inflammation, swelling and pain are quickly reduced, odour is reduced, sloughing of necrotic tissue is induced, granulation and epithelialisation are hastened, and healing occurs rapidly with minimal scarring.

The antimicrobial properties of Manuka Honey prevent microbial growth in the moist healing environment created.

Unlike other topical antiseptics, Manuka Honey causes no tissue damage. In fact, in animal studies it has been demonstrated histologically that it actually promotes the healing process. It has a direct nutrient effect as well as drawing lymph out to the cells by osmosis. The stimulation of healing may also be due to the acidity of honey. The osmosis creates a solution of honey in contact with the wound surface which prevents the dressing sticking, so there is no pain or tissue damage when dressings are changed. There is much anecdotal evidence to support its use, and randomised controlled clinical trials that have shown that Manuka Honey is more effective than silver sulfadiazine and a polyurethane film dressing for the treatment of burns. The most common skin wound infecting species of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus has been found to be particularly sensitive to Manuka Honey. Studies indicate that Manuka Honey is very effective as a dressing for wounds, burns and skin ulcers for the following reasons:

* inflammation, swelling and pain are quickly reduced;
* malodor is reduced;
* shedding of dead tissue is induced so surgical removal is unnecessary;
* healing occurs rapidly with minimal scarring and with no need for skin grafting;
* infection is rapidly cleared.

"The unusual antibacterial activity of Manuka Honey is about twice as great as the hydrogen peroxide activity of other honey against VRE, but against MRSA the activity of the two honeys is similar," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International, manufacturer of health care products containing Active Manuka Honey as a healing agent. "On wounds, some hydrogen peroxide may be broken down, so honey with hydrogen peroxide activity may be less effective." To purchase wound care and other health care products containing Active Manuka Honey, go to Honeymarkproducts.com. Honeymark's First Aid Antiseptic Lotion has achieved amazing results in treating wounds and burns.