Objective and subjective scar aesthetics with topical Manuka honey post‐thyroidectomy: A randomized control study

Abstract

ObjectiveLeptospermum Honey (Manuka honey) has proven to be effective in improving acute and chronic wound healing presumably due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim is to determine if Manuka honey decreases scar formation and results in a cosmetically appealing scar.MethodsA prospective single-blinded randomized control trial was performed. All patients received an 8 cm incision. Patients randomized to honey treatment were instructed to apply Manuka honey paste topically to the incision site once per day post surgery for 4 weeks. The patients' scar was then analyzed objectively by a blinded observer and subjectively at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcome measure used was the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS).ResultsA total of 21 patients completed the entire scar analysis (honey treatment = 9, standard treatment = 12). There was no statistically significant difference between patient scar assessment scale and observer scar assessment scale at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively.ConclusionDespite Leptospermum Honey's reported anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this study did not show a difference in scar appearance when applied.

Updates in emergency department laceration management

“…A 2015 Cochrane review assessed the role of honey on various types of acute and chronic wounds and found some benefit for partial thickness burns and infected post-operative wounds, though the evidence was too heterogeneous and low quality to draw any firm overall conclusions [40]. Two recent prospective randomized controlled trials in the surgical literature assessed the effect of Manuka honey on surgical scar healing but found no significant difference compared to standard treatment modalities [41,42]. The role of honey in wound management is inconclusive and further investigation is warranted.…”

Physically Cross-Linked Gels of PVA with Natural Polymers as Matrices for Manuka Honey Release in Wound-Care Applications

“…Its activity is related to the 1,2-dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal (MGO), to its non-peroxidase activity, where the concentration of MGO in the honey determines the unique manuka factor (UMF). Antibacterial manuka honeys are the ones with concentrations superior to 0.15 mg/g MGO [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. In addition, its dark color could be related to high proportions of phenolic compounds, which present antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties [ 15 ].…”

Analysis of trends and status of evaluation methods in thyroid scar

“…Among the 35 studies [ 2 , [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] ], 15 (42.8 %) were published between 2008 and 2015. Most studies were conducted in Asia (n = 22; 62.9 %), followed by Europe (n = 10; 28.6 %) and North America (n = 3; 8.6 %).…”