The role of honey in healing of bedsores in cancer patients
South Asian J Cancer, 2012 Oct;1(2):66-71
BACKGROUND:
Honey was used to treat infected wounds as long as 2000
years before bacteria were discovered. It has been reported to have inhibitory
action to around 50 species of bacteria and fungi (aspergillus, penicillium).
Usually, Metronidazole powder is used in our palliative clinic for wound
healing due to low cost & effectivity. Honey is cheap, easily available
ingredient with high astringent activity.
OBJECTIVE:
Objectives of the study were to find out the effectiveness
of Honey in terms of rate of wound healing & pain control in bedsores of
cancer patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
40 cancer patients with bedsore wounds were randomly
assigned (1:1 ratio i.e. 20 in each arm) for Study Arm (Honey plus
Metronidazole powder) and Control Arm (only Metronidazole powder), attending
Palliative clinic of our department in between July 2010 to September
2011.Washing of the wound with normal saline done daily before application of
above medicaments. Change of posture & soft bed were encouraged in both
groups. A pre designed interview proforma, standardised Bates Jensen Wound
Assessment Tool and Visual Analogue Pain assessment scale were used to collect
and assess data.
RESULTS:
There was significant difference in wound healing status (F
value = 6.523; Critical Difference =14.03, P > 0.05) from day 10 and pain
reduction also (F value = 6.638 and Critical Difference = 1.667, P > 0.05)
from day 7 in study arm.
CONCLUSION:
Application of honey dressing provides a better wound
healing, rapid pain relief in cancer patients with bedsores in palliative
settings.
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