Date Last Updated: 11/04/06
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Does honey help heal
burns and scalds?
Treatment in brief
Honey as a dressing for burns
and scalds.
Honey for healing
Honey is a traditional treatment
for wounds. The high concentration of sugar in honey enables it to absorb
fluid that weeps from the wound. Honey may also help to prevent infection,
partly because it is acid and partly because it contains natural plant
chemicals that are anti-bacterial.
The evidence
There is
level 2 evidence that
honey is effective for healing
superficial burns and scalds.
It is unclear what type of
honey product (eg, natural honey, medicated dressings) is best for burns.
Honey is not safe or
effective as a dressing for more
serious burns (level
2 evidence).
None of the honey-based or
other dressings tested were reported to cause adverse effects.
Important other issues
Burns and scalds are
common, especially among young children and especially in the home, where
the main hazard is scalding from hot liquids.
FIRST AID: The
best form of first aid is to hold the burn or scald under running cold tap
water for at least 20 minutes. Do not use ice.
For more serious burns do not apply a
dressing, just cover the wound (eg, with a clean cloth) until it has been
checked medically or at an Emergency Department.
Key
Messages
|
There is evidence that honey is effective for healing
superficial burns
and scalds |
3 |
|
Honey is not effective for more
serious burns |
3 |
Key: Levels of evidence
Sources
Click here to see the references for this summary.
Further Resources
DISCLAIMER: This website does not provide specific medical advice and the information provided should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice from a registered health practitioner. Full disclaimer . . .
