Jwc ewma final indd

J O U R N A L  O F WO U N D  C A R E   Vo l   2 2 .  N o   1 .  E W M A   D o c u M E N t   2 0 1 3  

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natural product, effectiveness, depending on the 

origin of the honey, varies greatly.

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It is claimed that honey has anti-inflammatory 

properties and also stimulates immune responses. 

Although the exact mode of action remains 

unclear, it has been observed that reactive oxygen 

species production is decreased and TNF-

α release 

is enhanced by honey.

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Administration

The amount of honey used depends on the 

amount of exudate from the wound. We suggest 

that, in typical cases, 20ml of honey should 

be used on a 10cm

2

 dressing. The frequency of 

dressing changes depends on how rapidly the 

honey is being diluted by the exudate. Honey is 

water-soluble and easily rinsed out, even if it is 

inserted to cavities and sinuses. For moderately-

to-heavily exuding wounds, a secondary dressing 

may be needed to contain seepage of diluted 

honey from the primary dressing. 

Benefits

In addition to the suggested autolytic debridement 

effects of honey, it is also used because of the 

claimed antibacterial activities and ability to 

deodorise wounds. 

Contraindications

Relative contraindications are dry, necrotic 

wounds, as honey may cause further drying. 

Honey products should not be used in patients 

with known contact sensitisation to ingredients  

or patients who are sensitive to bee venom.

Sideeffects

Side effects of honey as a natural product may 

result from its lack of standardisation and the 

possibility of contamination with pesticides, 

antibiotics or viable spores, including clostridia. 

Allergic reactions to honey are rare but have been 

attributed, in some cases, to a reaction to specific 

pollen in the honey.

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 Pain associated with the use 

of honey may result due to the acidity and/or the 

organic chemicals in it. In some instances, the pain 

or discomfort has been transitory. 

‘

Absorptivedressingsare

highlyhydrophilicandrapidly

absorbexudatefromthe

necrotic,sloughymass.

Onegrammeofdextranomer

canabsorbupto4goffluid.

’

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