How effective is honey as a wound dressing compared to conventional dressings?

Question

I firmly believe, after what research I've done, that honey IS effective as a wound dressing, that it can serve as an antibacterial agent when applied to a wound.

My question is this- how does honey compare with conventional, modern antiseptics/antibacterial agents, such as neosporin, or even peroxide? How does it compare in both its ability to prevent or treat infection, its ability to help wounds heal, and in any possible negative effects?

It has come to my attention recently that the typical peroxide solution can damage tissue, and that neosporin can sometimes slow down healing by keeping the cut moist. But is honey an effective alternative, and how effective?

If anyone has sources in addition to your answers, it would be MOST helpful. God bless you all, and thanks!

By the way, I'm mostly concerned with how honey compares to over-the-counter treatments for smaller wounds and cuts, but any information beyond that is welcome too.

I know all about the risks of giving honey to infants. I'm talking about treating adults or children, not infants. I deffinatly know honey is not a 'mirical antibiotic', but I do believe it is an effective treatment when used in appropriate situations. I'm just not sure HOW effective, which is something I'm hoping to get at least an inkling of here. Nevertheless, thanks for the answers so far!

Answer 1

From what I understand, it fully depends upon the purity of the honey, and additives, etc. IF you insist on using honey - and not reccomended by my research because of the sugars in it that can inflame certain injuries, and never use it on diabetics or people with thyroid problems - then you need a kind with all the impurities filtered out and that has been pasturized, but not one with additives and perservatives.

Check with a health food store to get the right product.

Note, this is only supposed to be used on surface wounds and scrapes- NEVER for any invasive injuries or surgeries.

There is a product out there called Medi-Honey - you might look into that.

Answer 2

This is often called Dr.Posey's cream.It is actually more like a paste consistancy.
The sugar content of the honey helps the wound to granulate when perhaps other medicines have failed.
It has proven to be very sucessful in patients that have otherwise failed in healing bed sores.
Generally speaking it works well though there are cases where it has failed.
It is very hard in most cases to apply as the wound it's self tends to weep and trying to apply cream or ointment to a weeping wound is compareable to trying to wax a wet car. . it can be done but it has to be done carefully.
And yes,leaving the wound open to the air helps to keep the wound dry thus allowing the honey mixture to adhere to the wound somewhat better.
Having worked in Nursing Homes and in hospitals providing care to these patients I have seen it work miracles but I have also seen it fail. . .generally if it fails it is because the wound is too far gone and requires surgical intervention.

Answer 3

save it for a sore throat however 10 drops of calendula or marigold flower tincture diluted in eight ounces of already boiled and cooled water then soak a sterile gauze compress to staunch the bleeding . Or there is store bought calendula cream for an already cleaned wound . It has antiseptic and blood-clotting properties. Also granulated sugar applied four times daily with inclusive cleanings will help reduce scarring and is suggested for small animal bites as well .you should wait till bleeding stops before adding a couple of spoons of sugar to your bandage.and lastly a remedy when neosporin or others are not available is petroleum jelly for small cuts to act effectively as an antibiotic and help healing..
the pasteurized honey is more common to Brits and the British journal of plastic surgery has studied and confirmed it useful with small cuts and scrapes to reduce infection and promote healing.
otherwise honey works for sore throats as an astringent and antiseptic it will coat and clear sensitive throats. one tbsp every four hrs..

Answer 4

Honey is not the miracle antibacterial some people purport it to be

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-botulism/HQ00854