Honey based therapy for the management of a recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcer

Abstract

Objective: Diabetic foot ulcers are usually treated at hospital podiatry clinics and not at primary care level. We report an alternative approach using honey based therapy in the successful management of diabetic foot ulcer at primary health care level.

Methods: The case is discussed in relation to various modalities targeting diabetic foot ulceration in the literature.

Result: A 65 years old female-Egyptian diabetic patient presented with a neuropathic plantar ulcer of 10 × 5 cm post-thermal burn following the use of a hot water bottle. The patient was treated with strict offloading using a pair of crutches, debridement of necrotic tissue using a sharp scalpel and commercial honey applied daily and covered with a glycerin based dressing. The honey dressing was changed daily along with strict offloading and by week 16 the ulcer completely healed.

Conclusion: Treatment of diabetic foot ulcer is possible at primary care level.

Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer; Honey based therapy; Primary care.