[Medical honey in the treatment of wound-healing disorders in the head and neck area].
BACKGROUND
Already in ancient times honey was used as a drug and for the treatment of wounds. In recent years the different effects of honey on wound-healing processes have been reexamined. Based on this, the antibacterial and fungicidal qualities of honey could be confirmed.


METHODS
Between January 2009 and July 2011 medical honey was used on 36 patients suffering from different wound-healing disorders in the head and neck area after unsuccessful conventional treatment. The healing process was registered by microbiological investigations, measurements of the wound edges and adequate photo documentation.


RESULTS
Medical honey can be used without problems or detectable side effects on problematic wounds of the head and neck area. Constant treatment leads to fast wound lavation, granulation, reduction of putrid smells and a decrease in inflammation.


CONCLUSIONS
In the treatment of poorly healing and infected wounds within the head and neck area, medical honey can be used successfully without problems as an effective alternative to conventional treatment options.
Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Dessau-Rosslau, Deutschland. stephan.knipping@klinikum-dessau.de
S
S
Knipping
B
B
Grünewald
R
R
Hirt
D000328:Adult; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006722:Honey; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult