Efficacy of medical grade manuka honey in acute otitis externa: A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Manuka honey has been used in chronic diabetic ulcers and traumatic wounds. We have used Manuka honey in cases of otitis externa because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: The objective was to study the efficacy of topical applications of Manuka honey in the patients of acute otitis externa. Materials and Methods: Patients with acute otitis externa without any prior ear complaint or intervention were selected for the study after informed and written consent. All patients selected for the study were packed with Manuka honey-impregnated umbilical tape and pain scores; canal wall edema was recorded on days 0, 1, 3, and 7. Results: A total of 20 patients were included in our study. Twenty patients followed us on day 1, 15 patients on day 3, and seven patients followed us till day 7. The mean pain score for day 0 was 5.35, and the mean pain score decreased to 2.95 on day 1, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Manuka honey appears to be an effective therapeutic agent in the management of otitis externa.