MediHoney

Did you know?

• Medihoney has been shown to reduce the presence of MRSA in wound beds—an important factor when managing infection-prone wounds.
• The FDA does not recommend the use of Medihoney products on third-degree burns, so that’s a critical piece to keep in mind when building care plans for burn patients.
• For MASD or superficial pressure ulcers—especially in high-risk areas like the buttocks—Medihoney barrier cream or Chamosyn is a fantastic option. It can help protect areas affected by a mix of slough, erythema, and contaminants like urine or feces.

We hope these insights are helpful to you and your team. The more we understand the products we use, the better we can advocate for our patients and support the entire interdisciplinary team.

 As always, if you have questions or want to connect about wound care strategies, we’re here for you.

 Warmly,

McKenzie Bright, PA-C

Peaks Advanced Medical

MediHoney® Product Information

What is MediHoney®?

MediHoney® is a line of wound and burn dressings made with medical-grade Active Leptospermum Honey (commonly known as Manuka honey). It is globally recognized for its effectiveness in managing acute and chronic wounds and burns, providing a natural, evidence-based option for wound care.

Key Features and Benefits

• 100% Active Leptospermum Honey: Sourced from the Leptospermum species, known for potent antibacterial and healing properties.
• Moist Wound Healing: Maintains a moist environment conducive to healing, supporting autolytic debridement and reducing the risk of trauma during dressing changes.
• Broad Indications: Suitable for a wide range of wounds, including:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure ulcers (partial- and full-thickness)
• Leg ulcers (venous, arterial, mixed etiology)
• First- and second-degree burns
• Donor sites, surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, and more.

• Antibacterial Action: Demonstrated efficacy in reducing bacterial load, including resistant organisms (e.g., MRSA), and promoting infection control.
• Low pH (3.5–4.5): Helps lower wound pH, which is associated with improved healing and reduced protease activity.
• Osmotic Debridement: Draws fluid from deeper tissues to the wound surface, helping to liquefy and remove non-viable tissue.
• Safe and Non-Toxic: Suitable for use in most patient populations, with no systemic absorption or effect on blood sugar in diabetic patients.

Product Forms and Use

Product Type	Indications/Features	Application Notes
MediHoney® Paste	Deep, tunneled, or undermined wounds; lightly to moderately exuding wounds	Apply directly to wound, cover with secondary dressing
MediHoney® Gel	Surface wounds, partial/full thickness, low to moderate exudate	Thicker, stays in place; use secondary dressing
MediHoney® Calcium Alginate	Heavily exuding wounds, need for high absorption	Conforms to wound, absorbs exudate
MediHoney® Barrier Cream (Or Chamosyn)	Skin protection from moisture, friction, or shear	Apply to intact or at-risk skin

Clinical Evidence

• In a prospective study, 90% of patients with chronic pressure ulcers achieved complete wound healing within 4 weeks using MediHoney®, with no negative effects or allergic reactions reported.
• Rapid reduction in bacterial colonization, including clearance of MRSA, was observed after just one week of use.
• Additional studies have shown significant decreases in pain, odor, and wound size in chronic leg ulcers unresponsive to standard care.

How to Apply MediHoney® Dressings

1. Cleanse the wound and surrounding skin according to standard protocols.
2. Apply a 3mm layer of MediHoney® directly to the wound bed (or fill cavities as needed).
3. Cover with an appropriate secondary dressing to absorb exudate and protect the wound.
4. Change frequency: Dressings may remain in place for up to 7 days, but more frequent changes may be needed with high exudate. As healing progresses and exudate decreases, longer intervals between changes are possible.
5. Monitor for increased exudate initially due to osmotic action; manage with absorptive dressings as needed.

Precautions & Contraindications

• Do not use in patients with known allergy to honey or bee products.
• Not for use on third-degree burns or to control heavy bleeding.
• Transient stinging may occur; if persistent, discontinue use and reassess.
• Store between 50°F–77°F.

What are the risks of using MediHoney on third-degree burns

MediHoney should not be used on third-degree burns due to several significant risks and limitations:

• Lack of Indication and Safety Data: MediHoney is explicitly contraindicated for third-degree burns in manufacturer guidelines and regulatory documents, as it is not designed or tested for wounds involving full-thickness skin loss and destruction of underlying tissues
• Impaired Healing: Research indicates that applying MediHoney to third-degree burn wounds can result in a complete lack of epidermal regeneration and poor proliferation of basal cells, which are essential for wound healing.. This means the wound may not heal properly or could even worsen.
• Infection Risk: Third-degree burns are highly susceptible to infection due to the extensive tissue damage and absence of a protective skin barrier. MediHoney’s mechanisms (moist wound environment, autolytic debridement) are not suitable for wounds that lack viable tissue, potentially increasing the risk of infection or delaying necessary surgical intervention.
• Delayed Appropriate Care: Using MediHoney on third-degree burns may delay critical surgical management, such as debridement and grafting, which is necessary for optimal healing and to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Other Adverse Effects: Like other wounds, MediHoney may cause increased exudate, stinging, or maceration of surrounding tissue, but these effects are particularly concerning in third-degree burns, where tissue integrity is already severely compromised.

Summary Table: Risks of MediHoney on Third-Degree Burns

Risk Factor	Explanation
Not indicated/contraindicated	Manufacturer and FDA do not approve use for third-degree burns
Impaired healing	Inhibits necessary epidermal regeneration and basal cell proliferation
Infection risk	May increase risk due to moist environment on non-viable tissue
Delayed surgical care	May postpone necessary debridement and grafting
Local adverse effects	Stinging, increased exudate, and maceration in already compromised tissue

References

1. Derma Sciences, Inc. (2021). MediHoney® Wound & Burn Dressings: Instructions for Use. Retrieved from https://www.dermasciences.com
2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2017). 510(k) Premarket Notification: MediHoney® Wound & Burn Dressing. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov
3. Gethin, G., Cowman, S., & Conroy, R. M. (2008). The impact of Manuka honey dressings on the surface pH of chronic wounds. International Wound Journal, 5(2), 185-194. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-481X.2007.00424.x
4. Simon, A., Traynor, K., Santos, K., Blaser, G., Bode, U., & Molan, P. (2009). Medical honey for wound care-still the ‘latest resort’? Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6(2), 165-173. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem175
5. Molan, P. C. (2006). The evidence and the rationale for the use of honey as a wound dressing. Wound Practice and Research, 14(1), 6-24. Retrieved from https://www.woundsaustralia.com.au
6. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – MedlinePlus. (2022). Burns: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000030.htm
7. Vandamme, L., Heyneman, A., Hoeksema, H., Verbelen, J., & Monstrey, S. (2013). Honey in modern wound care: A systematic review. Burns, 39(8), 1514-1525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2013.06.014
8. Molan, P. C., & Rhodes, T. (2015). Honey: A Biologic Wound Dressing. Wounds, 27(6), 141-151. Retrieved from https://www.woundsresearch.com