Introduction: The therapeutic effects of honey impregnated dressings have been well documented.^1,2 Experience in the United States has been limited as its use was not FDA approved until July 2007.

Objective: To compare changes in wound size and presence of non-viable tissue between

honey impregnated calcium alginate dressings (HICADs) and non-impregnated calcium alginate dressings (NICADs).

Method: 42 year old male presented with multiple lower extremity ulcerations presenting as bullous lesions progressing to painful deep wounds with violaceous, undermined and irregular borders, surrounded by erythematous halos. Laboratory and diagnostic work-ups were negative. A presumptive diagnosis of bullous variant pyoderma gangrenosum was made based on histopathology of the biopsied lesions showing an ulcerated suppurative chronic inflammatory process with granulation tissue. HICADs* were applied to medial calf wounds and NICADs were placed on the lateral calf areas. Dressings, changed every other day and prn for strike-through drainage, were covered by non-adhesive foam and secured with gauze.

Outcome: Autolytic debridement appeared equal between NICADs and HICADs. Decreases in wound area were accelerated in all HICAD wounds as compared to NICADs.

Conclusion: HICADs may accelerate decreases in wound size related to its antimicrobial and other therapeutic properties not associated with NICADs. Further studies are indicated.

* Medihoney™, Dermasciences, Inc., Princeton, NJ

¹ Molan PC.The evidence supporting the use of honey as a wound dressing. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2006;5(1):40–54.

² George NM, Cutting K. Antibacterial Honey (Medihoney™): in-vitro Activity Against Clinical Isolates of MRSA, VRE, and Other Multiresistant Gram-negative Organisms Including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Wounds. 2007;19(9):231-236.