Honey dressings

Can you put Honey on a wound?

Yes, honey, specifically medical-grade honey like Manuka honey, is used in wound care due to its natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. However, it’s essential to use sterilised medical-grade honey rather than regular honey from the kitchen to avoid contamination and ensure safety.

How often should I change a Manuka Honey Dressing?

The frequency of changing a Manuka honey dressing depends on the wound type and level of exudate:

• Low to Moderate Exudate Wounds: Typically, the dressing is changed every 2-3 days.
• High Exudate Wounds: The dressing may need to be changed daily or whenever it becomes saturated with wound fluid.

Always follow the guidance of your healthcare professional for the specific needs of your wound.

What are Honey Dressings used for?

Honey dressings are used for a variety of wound types, including:

• Chronic Wounds: Such as pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous leg ulcers.
• Burns: Honey dressings can help reduce pain and promote faster healing of minor to moderate burns.
• Infected Wounds: The natural antibacterial properties of honey help combat infection.
• Surgical Wounds: To promote healing and reduce the risk of infection post-surgery.
• Traumatic Wounds: Such as cuts, lacerations, and abrasions.

How do Honey Dressings work?

Honey dressings work through several mechanisms:

• Antibacterial Action: Honey has natural antibacterial properties, primarily due to its low pH and high sugar content, which inhibits bacterial growth.
• Moist Healing Environment: Honey helps maintain a moist environment, which is conducive to faster wound healing.
• Debridement: Honey can help in the gentle removal of dead tissue from the wound, a process known as autolytic debridement.
• Anti-inflammatory: Honey reduces inflammation and can alleviate pain, promoting a more comfortable healing process.