Honey, Ultrasound Promote Healing of Chronic Wounds

Combined Noncontact, Low-Frequency Ultrasound and Medical Honey for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds: A Case Series
J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs, 2010 Jun 20

BACKGROUND: Chronic and delayed healing wounds represent a significant burden to patients, health care professionals, and the health care system. Although many different treatments have been used, the management of these wounds continues to be a significant clinical problem.

CASES: We report a case series of patients with chronic and delayed healing wounds of various etiologies and anatomical locations, treated with sharp wound debridement, noncontact, low-frequency ultrasound, and topical application of medical honey. All patients were treated as out- or inpatients in our free-standing, community-based rehabilitation hospital. We used direct observation and photographs to evaluate wound dimensions, wound bed, and the periwound skin. All 4 patients experienced either wound closure or reduction in wound dimensions. In addition, cleansing of the wound bed and stimulation of wound healing were observed.

CONCLUSION: Combined, noncontact, low-frequency ultrasound and topical application of medical honey may reduce wound dimensions, hasten wound closure, promote cleansing of the wound bed, and stimulate wound healing.