Honey therapies for dermatological disorders: more than just a sweet elixir

Abstract

Honey possesses antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and healing properties that benefit wound healing and tissue regeneration. For centuries, honey has been utilized in traditional medicine as a binder or vehicle for creams and lotions and also for therapeutic purposes. The overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents leading to drug resistance has emphasized the resurgence of honey's application in wound care. For many dermatological disorders, there is an interest in developing therapeutics with fewer side effects than traditional therapies and enhanced wound healing abilities to expedite tissue regeneration. This paper reviews the properties and components of honey that contribute to its wound‐healing‐based applications, the types of honey employed in medicine, and its dermatological applications. Based on the evidence from case reports, clinical trials, and in vitro studies, honey has been characterized as a safe, cost‐effective, and readily available treatment option for many skin conditions, including microbial infections, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, necrotizing fasciitis, ulcers, as well as thermal and other types of wounds.

Honey microbiota, methods for determining the microbiological composition and the antimicrobial effect of honey – A review

“…These specific bioactive components of honey, may provide antiviral activity by preventing the entry, entrapment, and replication of viruses. However, the exact mechanism by which honey prevents viral infections is still unknown ( Jodidio & Schwartz, 2024 ). For example, there are currently no honey therapeutic options available to treat infection with one of the most dangerous viruses that has forever changed the course of human history and healthcare: the smallpox virus.…”

Editor's Highlights – April 2024

“…In this issue, Maya Jodidio and Robert A. Schwartz focused on several critical aspects of honey therapies for skin diseases. 1 This review article underscores the longstanding use of honey in traditional medicine and its resurgence as an effective, natural alternative for managing various dermatological conditions. It is driven by growing antibiotic resistance and the search for therapies with fewer side effects.…”