Complete Healing and Short-term Treatment by Argania Honey Dressing in a Venous Leg Ulcer: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Recent advances in care show that inadequate management of the healing process in wounds and the development of bacterial infections lead to increased morbidity. Health professionals have progressively recognized the value of choosing suitable dressings to manage wounds, particularly in developing countries. Honey has been used for thousands of years as a wound dressing and is considered a biologic treatment due to its multiple bioactivities related to the healing process. Objective: The aim of this case report is to demonstrate that Argania Honey dressing improves the healing process in a venous leg ulcer. Method: Pure raw Argania honey (Argania spinosa, endemic tree in Southwestern Morocco) with no additives, pasteurization or manipulation was used, which was provided by local beekeepers. A mechanical debridement process was achieved previously to the application of honey dressings to a venous leg ulcer of a 67-year-old woman affected by type II diabetes for 11 years. Results: The Argania honey dressing accompanied by mechanical debridement process demonstrated a rapid recovery and complete healing of the wound for 12 weeks approximately (79 days). Conclusion: This Moroccan honey (Argania) experienced for the first time in venous leg ulcer management may represent a good alternative to treat other types of wounds. Further investigations by using Argania honey dressing are required to explain its effect and the mechanisms involved in the improvement of the healing process.