Arizona Hospital Begins Using Honey to Treat Wounds

St. Mary's Using Honey to Treat Wounds

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) – The Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital Wound Healing Center started using a specialized medical grade honey product called Medihoney to treat wounds, according to Carondelet spokeswoman Lisa Contreras.

The honey was approved by the FDA for chronic and acute wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers.

The wound dressings contain active leptospermum honey, a unique honey from New Zealand and Australia. Recent tests show that honey contains antibacterial agents, and leptospermum honey yields more antibacterial activity than honey from outer sources.

"Dressings made from leptospermum honey offer a two-fold benefit in wound healing: they help decrease bacteria and keep the wound moist to promote healing while also aiding our ability to remove unhealthy tissue around the wound," said Dr. Rhonda Quick, M.D., a vascular surgeon who serves as the Medical Director for St. Mary's Hospital Wound Healing Center.

The effects of the dressing can last up to a week, reducing the need for more frequent visits to the hospital...