Medihoney is a specialized, medical-grade product used for advanced wound and burn care. It is derived from the nectar of the Leptospermum species of plant, commonly known as Manuka honey, which is indigenous to New Zealand and Australia. The honey is sterilized using gamma irradiation to ensure it is free from bacterial spores, such as Clostridium botulinum, without compromising its therapeutic properties. It is widely applied to create a moist wound environment, support the removal of non-viable tissue, and manage infection in complex wounds.
The Science of Medical-Grade Honey
Medical-grade honey optimizes the wound environment through multiple mechanisms. One primary action is its high sugar concentration, which creates an osmotic effect. This high osmolarity draws fluid, or lymph, from the deeper tissues to the surface of the wound bed, helping to reduce swelling.
This fluid movement aids in autolytic debridement. The product also has a naturally low pH, typically ranging from 3.5 to 4.5. This acidic environment helps to lower the surface pH of the wound, which is often alkaline in chronic, non-healing wounds.
Maintaining an acidic pH supports healing by enhancing oxygen delivery to the tissues and reducing the activity of harmful enzymes called proteases that can break down new tissue. The honey also contains specific antibacterial components, primarily Methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that remains stable and active even when diluted by wound fluid. This unique non-peroxide activity, combined with the low-level release of hydrogen peroxide from the enzyme glucose oxidase, provides broad-spectrum protection against various bacteria.
Practical Application and Dressing Changes
Proper application begins with cleansing the wound area thoroughly, typically using a sterile saline solution, and gently drying the surrounding skin. A barrier cream or protective film should be considered for the peri-wound skin because the honey’s osmotic action can initially increase fluid output. This barrier helps prevent the surrounding healthy skin from becoming macerated or damaged by excess moisture.
Medihoney is available in various forms, including gels, pastes, and impregnated dressings, which are selected based on the wound’s depth and exudate level. If using the gel or paste, a layer approximately 3 millimeters thick is applied directly to the entire wound surface and into any deep or tunneled areas. The honey must be covered with a secondary dressing to manage the fluid drawn out of the wound.
The secondary dressing should be highly absorbent and non-adherent to prevent trauma during removal. The frequency of dressing changes is determined by the amount of wound drainage. Highly exuding wounds may initially require daily changes until the exudate level decreases. As the wound progresses, the dressing can often be left in place for up to three to seven days.
Expected Results Across Different Wound Types
The most immediate change observed after beginning treatment is often the reduction of slough and necrotic tissue. Patients frequently report a noticeable reduction in foul wound odor, which is often caused by bacterial activity, due to the honey’s antibacterial properties.
For chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers or venous leg ulcers, the goal is to shift the wound from a stalled state into a progression phase. This is seen as the rapid development of healthy, beefy-red granulation tissue, which signals the formation of a new vascular bed. Studies indicate that this treatment can accelerate the healing rate compared to conventional dressings, with some chronic wounds achieving successful closure.
In partial-thickness burns, the application supports a moist healing environment, which is associated with faster re-epithelialization. The improved healing rate in burn and traumatic wounds is linked to the anti-inflammatory effects of the honey, which can help minimize the appearance of scarring. For surgical wounds, the product is used to manage the risk of infection and promote a clean, healthy base for closure, leading to improved tissue quality and a more efficient healing trajectory.