HONEY DRESSINGS

EXPERIENCE AT DEPARTMENT OF PLASTIC SURGERY AND BURNS ALLIED HOSPITAL FAISALABAD

Abstract

O BJECTIVE: To clinically evaluate the effectiveness, economy and patient friendliness of honey as a topical
dressing of burn wounds. DESIGN: Analytical and observational study PLACE & DURATION OF STUDY: The
department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Allied Hospital Faisalabad from June 1999 to December 2001. SUBJECTS & METHODS: A total of fifty patients were included in this study. All patients were evaluated on the basis of percentage and depth of burns. 10 patients were having symmetric involvement of limbs, these were subjected to comparative analysis of honey and silver sulphadiazine dressings. RESULTS: Out of the 28 male and 22 female patients the majority presented between 3rd day to one week of burn accident. 40% patients had superficial burns and healed within 10 days of honey application on an average. The rest of 60% needed grafting which was done at a mean time of 14 days. Majority of patients had a mild bacterial growth while on honey dressings. CONCLUSION: Honey is economical, more effective and patient friendly. It has shown better and early results in acute and late burn wounds. So it should be the first choice as a dressing material.