Honey for Wound Management: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines

Details

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Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Rapid Review
Project Number:
RC1031-000

Question

  1. What is the clinical effectiveness of medical honey for the management of wounds?
  2. What are the evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of medical honey for wound management?

Key Message

Evidence of limited quality from systematic reviews suggested that honey may be of some benefit for the healing of partial thickness burns. The results were inconclusive regarding the use of honey for other indications. One guideline, with no mention of quality of evidence or strength of the recommendation, recommends against the use of honey for the management of chronic wounds, including venous leg ulcers; however, topical honey and honey impregnated dressings may be considered for the management of pressure injuries.