Honey-based dressings and wound care: an option for care in the United States

J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2009 Jan-Feb;36(1):60-6; quiz 67-8. doi: 10.1097/01.WON.0000345177.58740.7d.

Abstract

Honey-based wound dressings have been used worldwide since ancient times. A honey product received US Federal Drug Administration approval in 2007, making this dressing an option for wound care. Honey has been found to exert anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects without antibiotic resistance, promote moist wound healing, and facilitate debridement. However, it may cause a stinging pain. As is true of any wound dressing, its use must be carefully selected and monitored. Continued research is needed to add to its evidence base. This article provides a summary of the current evidence base for the use of honey and a review of its therapeutic effects and discusses implications for WOC nursing practice.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / analysis
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Bandages
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Honey / analysis
  • Honey / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*
  • Wounds and Injuries / nursing*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents