Acceptability to patients of a honey dressing for non-healing venous leg ulcers.

OBJECTIVES: This four-centre feasibility study was undertaken to determine whether Medihoney, a proprietary blend of honeys, is an acceptable treatment for patients with leg ulcers in terms of pain relief, odour control and overall patient satisfaction.

METHOD: Forty patients whose leg ulcers had not responded to 12 weeks of compression therapy were recruited. Medihoney dressings were applied on their ulcers for the 12-week study period. All other aspects of their care, including the use of compression bandaging, remained unchanged. Their leg ulcers were assessed every two weeks. This included the use of a patient questionnaire.

RESULTS: Overall, ulcer pain and size decreased significantly and odorous wounds were deodorised promptly. This had a positive impact on patient satisfaction with the Medihoney treatment.

CONCLUSION: The results support the previously reported positive effects of honey and revealed a high patient acceptance for this treatment. Following these results, comparative clinical trials, which should also consider pain, are now recommended.