March 4, 2021

The 7 Most Asked Questions About MediHoney

MediHoney® dressings are made with a special honey that is derived from the nectar of the Leptospermum plant. This type of honey has unique properties that have been scientifically verified and shown in clinical trials and by other clinical evidence to be effective for the management of wounds and burns.^1-3

In one randomized controlled trial, the mean healing time of wounds treated with MediHoney dressings was significantly faster than the mean healing time of wounds treated with conventional dressings.⁴

Unlike regular honey, MediHoney is controlled against a rigorous set of systems and standards, including independent monitoring and auditing, to guarantee quality and batch-to-batch consistency. It is also ultra-filtrated and sterilized by gamma irradiation, removing any bacterial spores without loss of product effectiveness.³ MediHoney comes from a traceable source and is free of pesticides and antibiotics.³

Here are the 7 most asked questions about this dressing:

What makes MediHoney effective for wound and burn care?

MediHoney dressings aids and supports autolytic debridement and a moist wound healing environment in acute and chronic wounds and burns,^5-8 through two key mechanisms – high osmolarity and low pH. The high sugar content of honey facilitates movement of fluid from an area of higher concentration, across a membrane, to an area of lower concentration. Osmotic potential draws fluid through the wound, to the surface, helping to liquefy non-viable tissue.

Additionally, MediHoney has a low pH of 3.5–4.5. Maintaining more acidic pH levels within the wound environment can help to keep a wound on track towards healing.

What is the difference between MediHoney Gel and MediHoney Paste dressing?

Designed to be different and provide a clinical benefit, MediHoney Gel dressings are made with Active Leptospermum Honey and combined with many gelling agents from natural sources, commonly used in dermatologic products, to offer a more viscous formulation with increased stability at the site of the wound.

Even in the presence of body heat and wound fluid, MediHoney Gel is designed to keep the honey at the site of the wound for longer periods of time. It is safe and effective on a variety of partial to full thickness wound etiologies.

MediHoney Paste dressings with 100% Active Leptospermum Honey is ideal for use in hard to dress wounds areas such as tunneled wounds, sinus wounds and wounds with undermining. The MediHoney Paste dressing has the ability to seep down into areas of the wound you may not be able to reach with other dressings.

What are the most common uses of MediHoney dressings?

MediHoney dressings are safe, effective and versatile to use on a variety of wounds and are indicated for use on:

- - Diabetic foot ulcers
  - Pressure ulcers / sores (partial and full thickness)
  - 1st and 2nd degree partial thickness burns
  - Donor sites, and traumatic and surgical wounds
  - Leg ulcers (venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers and leg ulcers of mixed etiology)

How often should the dressings be changed?

The change frequency of MediHoney dressings depends on the condition of the patient’s wound as well as the level of wound exudates. MediHoney dressings should be reapplied when the primary secondary dressing has reached its absorbent capacity.

Should a skin protectant be used prior to application?

Yes. Due to the osmotic potential there can be an increase in exudate and wound fluid to the wound area. Applying a skin protectant to the surrounding skin will help to prepare and protect the area from excess moisture and fluid.

What are the precautions?

- - Due to the dressing’s low pH, some patients may notice a slight transient stinging. If stinging persists and cannot be managed with an analgesic, remove dressing, cleanse area, and discontinue the use of MediHoney dressing.
  - During initial use of the dressing (depending on wound exudate levels, interstitial fluid, and edema surrounding the wound), the dressings’ high osmotic potential may contribute to increased exudate, which could lead to maceration if the excess moisture is not managed appropriately. Manage additional moisture by adding an absorptive cover dressing and/or adjusting the frequency of dressing change.
  - During the healing process, due to autolytic debridement, it is common for non-viable tissue to be removed from the wound resulting in an initial increase in wound size. Although an initial increase in wound size may be attributed to the normal removal of non-viable tissue, consult a healthcare professional if the wound continues to grow larger after the first few dressing changes.

Are there any contraindications?

MediHoney is not indicated for use in third degree burns or to control heavy bleeding. It is also not indicated for patients that have a known sensitivity to honey or any other component parts specific to each dressing. (Please refer to package insert for more information.)

References:

Cutting KF. Honey and contemporary wound care: An overview. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2007;53(11):49–54.
Lusby PE, Coombes A, Wilkinson JM. Honey. A potent agent for wound healing? J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2002;29(6):295–300.
In-house data.
Kamaratos AV, Tzirogiannis KN, Iraklianou SA, Panoutsopoulos GI, Kanellos IE, Melidonis AI. Manuka honey-impregnated dressings in the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. Int Wound J. 2012 ; 9: 1-7.
Regulski, M. A novel wound care dressing for chronic leg ulcerations. Podiatry Management, 2008. November/December: p. 235-246.
Robson, V., Dodd, S and Thomas, S. Standardized antibacterial honey (MediHoney®) with standard therapy in wound care: randomized clinical trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2009: p. 565-575.
Bateman S, Graham T (2007) The Use of MediHoney® Wound Gel on surgical wounds post-CABG. WOUNDS UK; Vol 3(3). 76 – 83.
Cadogan, . (2008) The use of honey to treat an ulcer on the heel of a person with diabetes. The Diabetic Foot Journal;11. (1): 43-45.