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Effect of Manuka Honey on Eyelid Wound Healing: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

  • 2017-07
  • Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery 33(4)
    • Raman Malhotra
    • Kimia Ziahosseini
    • Cornelia Poitelea
    • Andre Litwin
    • Suresh Sagili

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 46
Population
55 patients undergoing bilateral upper blepharoplasty, 46 (29 women, 17 men, mean age 68 years, median 69, range 49-85) available for analysis
Methods
Prospective, randomized, single-blinded study; Vaseline applied 4 times a day to both sides for 6 weeks and in addition, one eyelid randomized to receive Manuka honey twice daily
Blinding
Single-blind
Duration
6 weeks

Purpose

To report outcomes of a randomized trial on the role of "active" Manuka honey on eyelid surgical wound healing.

Method

Prospective, randomized, single-blinded study was performed for patients undergoing bilateral upper blepharoplasty. Vaseline was applied 4 times a day to both sides for 6 weeks and in addition, one eyelid was randomized to receive Manuka honey twice daily. Postoperative wounds were graded by a masked observer at 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months using Manchester scar scale and a modified eyelid scar grading scale. Patients scored symptoms, expressed preferred side, and of any problems they experienced using honey. Standard photographs were graded by 2 independent assessors.

Results

Fifty-five patients were randomized. One week after surgery, 46 (29 women, 17 men, mean age 68 years, median 69, range 49-85) were available for analysis. There was a trend toward distortion of the surrounding skin being less (1.6 vs. 1.8, p = 0.07) and the scar being less palpable (1.8 vs. 2.0, p = 0.08) on the Manuka-treated side. Patients reported the scar on the Manuka side to have less stiffness (1.3 vs. 1.6, p = 0.058). At 1 month, all 3 grading scales showed no difference between the 2 sides. At 4 months, scar grading scales showed no differences; however, patients reported scar pain to be significantly less on the Manuka-treated side than control (0.48 vs. 1.9, p = 0.005). Thirty-one of 46 patients believed the scars were similar on both sides, 11 preferred the honey-treated side, and 4 preferred the control.

Conclusion

Upper eyelid scars treated with or without Manuka honey heal well, without significant difference when assessed by validated scar grading scales; however, honey may provide subjective benefits early, postoperatively.

Research Insights

  • Manuka Honey→Improved Scar Appearance

    At 1 month, all 3 grading scales showed no difference between the 2 sides. At 4 months, scar grading scales showed no differences

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    twice daily
  • Manuka Honey→Reduced Scar Distortion

    There was a trend toward distortion of the surrounding skin being less (1.6 vs. 1.8, p = 0.07)

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    twice daily
  • Manuka Honey→Reduced Scar Pain

    patients reported scar pain to be significantly less on the Manuka-treated side than control (0.48 vs. 1.9, p = 0.005)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    twice daily
  • Manuka Honey→Reduced Scar Palpability

    the scar being less palpable (1.8 vs. 2.0, p = 0.08)

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    twice daily
  • Manuka Honey→Reduced Scar Stiffness

    Patients reported the scar on the Manuka side to have less stiffness (1.3 vs. 1.6, p = 0.058)

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    twice daily
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