Acceptability to patients of a honey dressing for non-healing venous leg ulcers

Dunford, C.E. and Hanano, R. (2004) Acceptability to patients of a honey dressing for non-healing venous leg ulcers. Journal of Wound Care, 13 (5), 193-197.

Abstract

Objectives: This four-centre feasibility study was undertaken to determine whether Medihoney, a proprietary blend of honeys, is an acceptable treatment for patients with leg ulcers in terms of pain relief, odour control and overall patient satisfaction.
Method: Forty patients whose leg ulcers had not responded to 12 weeks of compression therapy were recruited. Medihoney dressings were applied on their ulcers for the 12-week study period. All other aspects of their care, including the use of compression bandaging, remained unchanged. Their leg ulcers were assessed every two weeks. This included the use of a patient questionnaire.
Results: Overall, ulcer pain and size decreased significantly and odorous wounds were deodorised promptly. This had a positive impact on patient satisfaction with the Medihoney treatment.
Conclusion: The results support the previously reported positive effects of honey and revealed a high patient acceptance for this treatment. Following these results, comparative clinical trials, which should also consider pain, are now recommended.
Declaration of interest: This study was supported by Paul Hartmann AG, Germany.

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