Honey: a guide for healthcare professionals

Area of Science:

• Wound Care
• Medical Devices
• Topical Treatments

Background:

• A growing body of literature supports honey-based products for wound care, highlighting their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
• This has led to a resurgence in topical honey applications for various wounds.
• Numerous new honey-based wound products have entered the market.

Framework:

• Medical grade honey is essential for wound management, requiring sterilization (gamma irradiation) and standardized antibacterial activity.
• Only such honey products can be registered as medical devices.
• Practitioners must exercise caution with unregulated honey products.

Implementation:

• This article guides healthcare practitioners in selecting appropriate honey-based wound products.
• It emphasizes the need to evaluate manufacturers' information regarding clinical evidence, indications, contraindications, and product safety.
• Informed decisions are crucial for effective wound management.

Implications:

• Choosing evidence-based, medical-grade honey products ensures therapeutic efficacy and patient safety.
• Understanding product specifics supports the appropriate application of honey in wound care.
• This approach reinforces the role of honey as a valuable tool in modern wound management strategies.