Healing effect of topical honey in diabetic wound infection: a prospective analysis

Introduction: Honey dressings are a cost-effective method of wound care as compare to other topical wound care therapies. Aim: to study the healing effect of topical honey in diabetic wound infection. Methods: The study was conducted after getting approval from Protocol Review Committee of Dr RPGMC Tanda and obtaining informed consent. The study was carried out on all patients of both sex in age group of 18 to 60 years.The data were collected based on the above-mentioned assessment tool and also size of the wound was taken on a two weekly interval starting from week 0 and then week-2, 4 and 6. The patients were followed-up on basis of inpatient department and after discharge were followed on OPD visits. They were contacted telephonically at the scheduled time of their OPD visit. Results: Mean age of the patients, mean age of the patients was 56.90±8.71 years. 63% of the patients were males. For 77% of the patients, duration of diabetes was up to 10 years. 77% of the patients were smokers. Dorsal and plantar site of left foot was the most common site of ulcer (37%). Our study observed a significant improvement in wound size in at week-4 (P<0.0001) and week-6 (P<0.0001). Our study observed a significant improvement innecrotic tissue amount at week-4 (P<0.05) and week-6 (P<0.05). Our study observed a significant improvement inexudate amount at week-4 (P<0.05) and week-6 (P<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, topical honey was effective in wound healing of diabetic foot in a longer period of time.