Use of Honey in Wound Care

In Brief PURPOSE: To enhance the clinician's competence in interpretation of research studies related to use of honey for wound healing. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to: Relate the wound healing process to the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of honey. Apply published study findings comparing honey to conventional dressings in clinical scenarios. The therapeutic use of honey in wound care has been used since ancient times. Honey has been shown to have antibacterial properties in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated accelerated wound healing with the use of honey. In human trials, there is currently not enough strong evidence to fully support the use of honey in wound care; however, use in minor burns and prevention of radiation mucositis appear to be 2 areas where honey shows therapeutic promise. This continuing education activity will help clinicians to better understand the inherent complexities of the clinical use of medical-grade honey, to consider the paucity of the strength-of-evidence ratings to support the use of time-honored remedies, and to select clinical entities in patients who may benefit from treatment with medical-grade honey.