Manuka honey as a wound dressing is useful in maintaining a moist wound environment and acts as an autolytic debriding agent in debriding wounds. The rapid healing that was observed after topical honey application can be explained through a dual effect on the inflammatory response.
Helps treat wounds
“Manuka honey can help speed up the healing process,” says Flora. “It can also help prevent infections.” Studies show using manuka honey can aid in wound healing, promoting tissue regeneration and even decreasing pain in people recovering from burns.
Manuka honey has natural antibacterial properties. Some people use Manuka honey for wounds and treating bacterial infections, but more research is necessary. Honey has been used to treat wounds since ancient times, as detailed in a document dating back to 1392.
Honey is a safe natural substance, effective in the inhibition of bacterial growth and the treatment of a broad range of wound types, including burns, scratches, diabetic boils (Skin abscesses associated with diabetic), malignancies, leprosy, fistulas, leg ulcers, traumatic boils, cervical and varicose ulcers, ...
Manuka honey with a high UMF rating is significantly more effective than examples with a low rating, or regular honey, in improving wound healing, new research shows.
Depending on the amount of exudate, the dressing with medical honey has to be changed up to 2 times a day in acute inflammatory wounds. The most often practised change interval for medical honey dressings is every 24–48 h.
It also analysed whether the healing was primarily due to manuka honey's antibacterial effects or because of effects on the cells that help healing. The study found wounds treated with UMF 20 honey daily for as little as 12 days healed faster than wounds treated with generic honey and untreated wounds.
The layer of Manuka honey effectively saturates the wound for faster, better healing. Creates a moist, Low pH environment which supports new tissue formation and assists wound healing. Helps provide long-lasting protection from infection. Skin-friendly adhesive so pain free application and removal.
Honey has not been shown to be toxic to the wound bed or to the body. As yet there are no reported cases of honey-resistant strains of bacteria. The recommended time for honey application is two weeks.
The main medical use for Manuka honey is for wound and burn healing. It is generally used for treating minor wounds and burns. Research shows Manuka honey to be effective in treating other conditions, including: Skin care including eczema and dermatitis.
Technically, UMF™10+ manuka honey is suitable for wounds. But for the best results, look for the highest grades: UMF™ 24+ and UMF™ 26+. These have greater concentrations of the good stuff that helps to heal wounds.
Try dabbing a small amount of Manuka honey on a pimple and leaving it on to dry. Make a Manuka honey mask by mixing the honey with lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to the face as a mask for about 15 minutes or until it dries. Then rinse the mask off using warm water.
Keep Mānuka honey on hand in the kitchen as quick first aid for minor burns and cuts. As soon as possible, apply a layer of Mānuka honey to the affected area and cover with an adhesive bandage (chef's tip – kitchen cling film also works perfectly to cover the area and keep the honey in place).
Most small wounds heal naturally with time, but home remedies — such as aloe vera, antibacterial ointment, or honey — may speed up the healing process. A wound leaves the body's internal tissues exposed to the external environment. Cuts, blows, or other impacts are common causes.
Today, medical-grade honey has emerged as an important tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, which is a growing global health threat. Used primarily for the treatment of wounds and burns, medical-grade honey harnesses the unique properties of what turns out to be a surprisingly complex substance.
Applying honey to the skin for 10 or 15 minutes is extremely beneficial, but leaving honey on the face overnight gives it more time to work its magic. It helps to balance all skin types by supporting the natural moisture barrier and it's a gentle and effective treatment for acne-prone, problematic skin.
Don't use too much, or you will be flooded in honey. This dressing can be changed every few days. Honey is also great as a deodorizer. I frequently used honey on gangrenous or necrotic tissue to help control/reduce the wound odor, usually applying honey daily.
Once the wound has formed a scab, there is no longer the need to cover it with a bandage as the scab now acts as a protective barrier. Keep the area clean, but be gentle so that you do not accidentally remove the scab.
You might also wonder: how long does manuka honey take to work? Well, it depends on how you take it and what you take it for. In some cases, like soothing a sore throat, you can feel the effects quickly. In other cases, it may take a little more time, but be patient!
Apply a small coating or combine it with water if you choose to leave Manuka honey on your skin overnight to make it more spreadable and reduce stickiness. To prevent feeling too oily, be aware of potential moisture absorption and regulate the amount of honey accordingly.
Use your normal facial cleanser to keep the area clean. If the area is swollen, you can apply ice or a warm compress. Continue using your acne treatments. You can also use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to help heal your popped pimple.
Apart from reducing inflammation, honey's humectant nature absorbs excess oil and pus from pimples. This osmotic effect is one of the reasons honey is used to dress wounds.