Wound Management With Active Leptospermum Honey

At the first mention of using “honey” on my pediatric patients I get two different reactions from their parents. The first is “Oh, I love the thought of using something natural” or “I thought honey was unsafe to use on children.” These reactions both require explanation. It begins with the same statement from me: “It isn’t the same honey you get out of the bear.”

The honey used is active Leptospermum honey (ALH). Although similar to store-bought honey in that it is created by bees, it comes from the pollen and nectar of the Leptospermum tea tree plant found in New Zealand and Australia. What kids hear is that they are special bees making special honey. ALH has many of the same indications as honey in that it is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and helpful with ailments of the skin. In the case of ALH, however, many of the reasons it could be harmful have been removed; for instance, ALH is sterile and irradiated. ALH and all honey products should be avoided if a patient has a sensitivity to honey.

ALH has a lower pH to assist with the alkalinity that chronic wounds may exhibit. This acidic pH may cause a stinging sensation that should disappear within a few minutes after use. If this is not the case, discontinue its use all together.

My use of ALH in pediatric patients who are experiencing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis was one of the most helpful findings for my patients. This process has worked when other treatments have been unavailable or unsuccessful. The oral use of ALH has alleviated or eliminated symptoms of painful mouth ulcers in a matter of days and since it tastes like honey, kids are not opposed to using it. Pediatric wounds in my experience tend to be of a drier nature, and ALH combats this problem with its osmotic activity pulling fluid from the wound bed to provide a moist wound healing environment.

Finding a product that can be used in children provides and easy conduit to adult patients—just remind them it’s not the honey from the bear.

References

Amaya R. Little patients, big outcomes: The role of Medihoney® in pediatric wound care. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2014; 60(8):8-9.

Boyar V, Handa D, Clemens K, Shimborske, D. Clinical experience with Leptospermum honey use for treatment of hard to heal neonatal wounds: Case series. J Perinatol. 2014; 34(2):161-163.

Elsass FT. A sweet solution: the use of medical-grade honey on oral mucositis in the pediatric oncology patient. Wounds. 2017;29(12):E115‐E117.

Molan P, Rhodes T. Honey: A biologic wound dressing. Wounds. 2015; 27(6):141-151.