Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Honey in Treatment of Superficial Burn among Children – A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: A burn is a heat-induced acute trauma. It is often brought by chemical, electrical, friction, or radiation, physical, and chemical (organic or inorganic) agent. Burn injury uniformly involves local and systemic adverse impacts on any living creature, including humans, with short- and long-term consequences. Severe burns have been observed to upset cardio-vascular physiology resulting in hypovolemic and distributive shock. Besides multiple natural substances, traditionally used as medication, especially honey, have been used to aggrandize burn-induced trauma alleviating. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of honey in treatment of superficial burn among children. Methods: This was a retrospective study and was conducted in the Department of Burn & Reconstructive Surgery, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute and Shefa Hospital, Shamoly, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from January, 2015 to December, 2016. Result: In total 57 children completed the study. In our study we found the majority (49%) of children were aged between 1-4 years old. The mean ±SD of age was 6.08 ± 3.02 years. Majority of children were boys (63%) compared to girls (37%). We found the mean ±SD of weight was 11.06 ± 4.18 kg. Majority (33%) of burn extents were 31-40% and majority (39%) of children required 11-20 days to heal the wound. Conclusion: We found that honey acts mainly as a hyperosmolar medium and prevents bacterial growth. It can form a physical barrier because of its high viscosity and the presence of enzyme catalase gives honey an antioxidant property. Because of these qualities, honey is a great and affordable dressing for healing the patients with superficial burn.