Medihoney is a specialized medical-grade honey product designed for the management of various wounds and burns. Unlike grocery store honey, Medihoney undergoes specific processing for clinical use. It is a unique topical treatment that promotes a moist wound healing environment, which is conducive to the body’s natural repair mechanisms. It is recognized for its role in professional wound care.
The Science of Medical Honey
Medihoney derives its properties primarily from Leptospermum species honey, often referred to as Manuka honey, sourced from New Zealand. This honey possesses antibacterial components that contribute to its effectiveness in wound management.
The high sugar content of Medihoney creates a hypertonic environment. This process draws fluid from deeper tissues to the wound surface, helping to cleanse the wound by removing debris and liquefying non-viable tissue. Additionally, Medihoney maintains a low pH level on the wound bed. This acidic environment can help reduce protease activity, which can otherwise impede healing, and may improve oxygen diffusion in the wound.
Medihoney is sterilized, ensuring it is free from bacterial spores or other contaminants found in raw honey. This sterilization process makes it safe for direct application to open wounds. The product’s consistency and purity are validated, ensuring standardized performance.
The Healing Process with Medihoney
Before Medihoney application, wounds may present with various characteristics, depending on their type and severity. Medihoney is applied to a broad spectrum of wounds, including diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, burns, and surgical wounds. These wounds might initially contain slough (yellowish dead tissue) or necrotic tissue (dark, non-viable tissue), which can hinder the healing process.
During Medihoney treatment, an increase in wound fluid, known as exudate, is common. This fluid indicates osmotic action, as the honey draws out fluid and debris from the wound bed. This process facilitates autolytic debridement, where the body’s own enzymes, aided by the honey, break down and remove dead or damaged tissue. The wound bed gradually becomes cleaner as non-viable tissue is liquefied and lifted away.
Following debridement, the wound begins to show signs of healthy progression. The wound bed appears clean, with a pink or red color, indicating the formation of granulation tissue. This new tissue is comprised of connective tissue and tiny blood vessels, filling the wound space. Over time, inflammation around the wound edges diminishes, and the wound size progressively reduces as new skin forms, leading to closure.
Proper Application for Optimal Results
Before applying Medihoney, practice good hand hygiene. The wound should be gently cleansed with a suitable wound cleanser, such as saline solution, to remove any loose debris or existing exudate. This prepares the wound bed for application.
A sufficient layer of Medihoney should then be applied directly onto the entire wound bed, ensuring full contact with the wound surface. A layer approximately 3mm thick is generally recommended for adequate coverage. After application, a secondary dressing is necessary to cover the Medihoney and absorb any excess fluid drawn from the wound.
The frequency of dressing changes depends on the amount of exudate the wound produces; wounds with high fluid levels may require more frequent changes, potentially up to twice a day in acute inflammatory stages. Some Medihoney products are designed to remain on the wound for an extended period, up to seven days, depending on the specific product and wound condition. Always follow a healthcare professional’s advice regarding specific dressing change protocols.