The Use of 100% Manuka Honey for Moist Wound Management and Promotion of Autolytic Debridement in an Inpatient Population with Wounds of Mixed Etiology

Optimal wound healing requires effective debridement tools. Manuka honey’s many properties have been well documented, most notably the observation that Manuka honey has a high sugar content and low water activity which contribute to its high osmotic pressure. This osmotic pressure gradient aids in the transfer of exudate from the wound to an absorbent secondary dressing. Medical grade honey has been shown to provide a moist wound environment that helps promote autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate a 100% Manuka honey impregnated sheets for the promotion of autolytic debridement and wound management in an inpatient population.

In this case series, a convenience sample of 20 patients with a total of 30 necrotic wounds of various etiologies were selected, at clinician discretion. The 100% Manuka honey impregnated sheets were applied per the instructions for use, and an appropriate secondary dressing was used. Wound measurements include wound size, percent necrotic tissue, odor score (1-10 being the worst), erythema score (0-4 being severe). Pain (1-10 worst) on application and 10 minutes post-application and ease of change (1-5 difficult) scores were recorded.

The patients were seen for an average of six days. The average initial and final wound sizes were 23.17 cm² and 14.93cm cm², or an 36% average reduction in wound size. The average initial and final percent necrotic tissue was 69.50% and 42.26%, so there was a 39% average reduction in necrotic tissue. The average wound odor score was 0.82, and the average erythema score was 0.41. The pain scores on application and 10 minutes post-application averaged 1.28 and 1.24. The average change score was 1.01, or no difficulty.

The 100% Manuka honey impregnated sheets promoted a moist wound healing environment conducive to autolytic debridement and enhanced wound healing.