Acceptability to patients of a honey dressing for non-healing venous leg ulcers

This four-centre feasibility study was undertaken to determine whether Medihoney, a proprietary blend of honeys, is an acceptable treatment for patients with leg ulcers in terms of pain relief, odour control and overall patient satisfaction.

Forty patients whose leg ulcers had not responded to 12 weeks of compression therapy were recruited. Medihoney dressings were applied on their ulcers for the 12-week study period. All other aspects of their care, including the use of compression bandaging, remained unchanged. Their leg ulcers were assessed every two weeks. This included the use of a patient questionnaire.

Overall, ulcer pain and size decreased significantly and odorous wounds were deodorised promptly. This had a positive impact on patient satisfaction with the Medihoney treatment.

The results support the previously reported positive effects of honey and revealed a high patient acceptance for this treatment. Following these results, comparative clinical trials, which should also consider pain, are now recommended.