Effectiveness of Changing the Application of Japanese Honey to a Hydrocolloid Dressing in Between the Inflammatory and Proliferative Phases on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Male Mice.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of changing the application of Japanese honey to a hydrocolloid dressing (HCD) in between the inflammatory and proliferative phases on cutaneous wound healing in 8-week-old, BALB/cCrSlc male mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were divided into 4 groups: acacia honey followed by a HCD, buckwheat flour honey followed by a HCD, Chinese milk vetch honey followed by a HCD, and a HCD alone (control group). All mice received 2 full-thickness wounds on both sides of the dorsum using a Disposable Biopsy Punch. The wounds of the control group were covered with a HCD, whereas wounds in the other groups were treated with 0.1 mL of the relevant type of honey until day 3 post-wound and then were covered with a HCD from days 4 to 14.

RESULTS: In the experimental groups, the wound area ratio was significantly smaller in the inflammatory phase but significantly larger in the proliferative phase. Reepithelialization, collagen deposition, and wound contraction were significantly delayed compared with those in the control group.

DISCUSSION: The re-expansion of the wounds in the proliferative phase could not be prevented, and reepithelialization, collagen deposition, and wound contraction were delayed compared with those upon the use of a HCD.

CONCLUSION: The study's authors concluded that these methods do not promote cutaneous wound healing better than the use of a HCD alone.