The role of honey in healing of bedsores in cancer patients

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.