The pro-healing effects of medical grade honey supported by a pediatric case series. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smaropoulos, Eleftherios; Cremers, Niels A.J.
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 45(2019)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Honey -- Medical grade honey -- Wounds -- Wound care -- Pediatrics; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; Médecines parallèles -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Alternative medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.05.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2299

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The development of antibiotic resistance demands for novel complementary therapies for wound care. We here present a case series on the use of medical grade honey (MGH) in pediatric wounds. We aim to illustrate the specific antimicrobial and pro-healing activity of MGH and support its easy and safe use. Methods: Four pediatric patients with wounds of different origin are discussed in this prospective observational case series. All wounds were treated via monotherapy with daily MGH application. Results and discussion: Wound covering with MGH prevents pathogen infiltration and has antimicrobial activity. Moreover, MGH keeps the wound moist and possesses strong pro-healing effects, such as autolytic debridement of non-vital tissue and restoration of vascular structures. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative action of MGH together with the supplemented vitamins C and E may inhibit scar formation. Conclusion: MGH is safe and easily applicable and can be recommended in all kinds of wounds.