Leg ulcers are nasty sores. They are long-lasting (chronic) and can take a month to six weeks to heal and much longer in some cases. They usually, though not always, develop, just above the ankle on the inside part of the leg. Honey definitely has some medical qualities that can help heal wounds and sores. Watch the video to find out more.
My Notes:
We have known about venous leg ulcers for centuries. They occur when there's a breakdown in the skin tissue below the knee area. Ever since the 17th century, people have treated these sores by applying compression bandages. The compression helps the leg cope with the constant pressure of fluids in the lower parts of the body. This is what's known as hydrostatic pressure. It refers to the pressure that any fluid in a confined space exerts.
The symptoms of a venous leg ulcer include:
- Pain (sharp, dull or both)
- Persistent itching
- Swelling in the affected leg
In recent times there has been a lot more interest in general for alternative medicines. Honey is fast becoming one of those keen areas of interest. You can read more all the time about how people are using honey as a potential healing agent. Some suggest that a honey dressing as well as a compression bandage can help with venous leg ulcers.
The New Zealand Honey Trial
Four centers around New Zealand decided to put honey to the test as a healing agent. The test centers were in Auckland, South Auckland, Waikato and Christchurch. A total of 368 patients were then randomly divided into two groups of equal numbers. Researchers gave one group conventional dressings. They gave the other group dressings that they impregnated with honey. Both groups in the trial used compression bandaging.
After 12 weeks the results were in for these clinical trials.
There was no significant difference between the rates of healing between the two groups. However, the honey treatment was more expensive overall. People in that group also reported more adverse events than the conventional group. This was quite surprising because honey has shown to speed up the healing process in lesser sores, cuts and grazes.
The Conclusion
The honey dressing did not show any significant improvements in the treatment of venous leg ulcers in the following areas:
- Healing
- Time to healing
- Changes in ulcer area
- Incidence of infection
- Quality of life
You can find the full report here:
Treating Venous Leg Ulcers With Honey Dressings Unlikely to Help Healing
Source: Wiley-Blackwell | January 10, 2008
Summary
Honey has shown to be an effective healer when applied to cuts, grazes and burns in general. However, it did not prove to be effective in the case of venous leg ulcers. Therefore, the current focus of venous ulcer management should remain unchanged for now.