MediHoney by Derma Sciences

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MediHoney dressings

So, what is Active Manuka Honey (+15)?

Leptospermum honeys (Manuka from New Zealand and Jellybush from Australia) have unique characteristics making these honeys ideal for use as dressings on acute and chronic wounds and burns. However, even within this species of honey there is considerable variability. That is why global thought leaders have cautioned that, when using honey, clinicians:

  1. Should not use honey straight from the supermarket. Honey is known to contain Clostridium Botulinum spores. When used as a dressing on wounds & burns, only sterilized honey products should be used.
  2. Select only those products that have been standardized to a certain specification with regard to the special characteristics making honey beneficial for wounds and burns. This standardization process is achieved, in part, by observing the honey's activity level in the presence of catalase. Catalase is an enzyme found in wound fluid, and breaks down the active components in most honeys. Only the Leptospermum species has been shown to retain its activity even in the presence of catalase.

All MediHoney dressings are sterilized.

With regard to standardization, all Leptospermum honeys are tested and rated for their level of special characteristics making them beneficial for the management of wounds and burns. Some batches show no activity, and are rated at 0. Others show varying rates of activity and are rated from 1+ to 12+ to 25+. Leptospermum honeys with a rating of 12+ or higher are recommended for use as wound and burn dressings. The Leptospermum honey used in MediHoney dressings is rated at least 15+.

Directions for Use

  • Prior to application of MediHoney Calcium Alginate Dressing, cleanse the wound area as necessary.
  • Use an appropriately sized MediHoney Calcium Alginate Dressing.
    • For shallow wounds, slightly overlap the wound area by about 1/2 in (1 cm).
    • For deep or heavily exuding wounds, loosely pack and ensure that the dressing does not overlap the wound margins.
    • For deep wound when undermining is present, use the 3/4 x12 (rope) version of the dressing. Pack the dressing loosely, making sure to fill in undermining areas. Do not overfill or pack tightly. Use an appropriate secondary dressing (such as hydrocolloid, foam, thin film, or island/composite) to cover the MediHoney Calcium Alginate Dressing.

Dressing Change and Removal

  • Dressing change frequency will depend on the condition of the patient as well as the level of wound exudate.
  • Reapply when MediHoney Calcium Alginate Dressing or the secondary dressing has reached its absorbent capacity or as directed by a wound care professional.
  • Moisten with sterile saline if the wound bed appears dry before removal of the dressing.
  • Remove the dressing from the wound bed gently.
  • Cleanse the wound bed prior to application of new dressing.