Management of non-healing wounds with honey dressings: a literature review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the literature review was to identify the effectiveness of products containing honey in the management of non-healing wounds. Design: A literature review. Methods: Based on predefined criteria, studies were searched in the electronic databases PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO and Google Scholar between 2007 and 2017. Using the PRISMA recommendations, twenty studies were selected and analyzed. Results: Studies assessed in the review investigated the mean wound healing time, number (percentage) of completely or partly healed cases, pain intensity, odor and antibacterial activity of honey. Most frequently, the efficiency of honey was assessed in diabetic and lower leg ulcers, with wounds of varied etiology being investigated in the majority of studies. The outcomes of most studies showed a shorter mean healing time, higher percentages of completely healed wounds and more effective eradication of wound infection. Only three studies reported no significant improvement in the treatment of lower leg and diabetic ulcers and malignant wounds with honey. Conclusion: Honey is an effective substance in the management of wounds and may be used at any phase of healing for any types of wounds providing that the patient's allergies to some components of dressings are ruled out.