1.
The pro-healing effects of medical grade honey supported by a pediatric case series.
Smaropoulos, E, Cremers, NAJ
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2019;:14-18
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of antibiotic resistance demands for novel complementary therapies for wound care. We here present a case series on the use of medical grade honey (MGH) in pediatric wounds. We aim to illustrate the specific antimicrobial and pro-healing activity of MGH and support its easy and safe use. METHODS Four pediatric patients with wounds of different origin are discussed in this prospective observational case series. All wounds were treated via monotherapy with daily MGH application. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Wound covering with MGH prevents pathogen infiltration and has antimicrobial activity. Moreover, MGH keeps the wound moist and possesses strong pro-healing effects, such as autolytic debridement of non-vital tissue and restoration of vascular structures. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative action of MGH together with the supplemented vitamins C and E may inhibit scar formation. CONCLUSION MGH is safe and easily applicable and can be recommended in all kinds of wounds.
2.
Treating breast cancer radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation with a traditional Chinese medicine formula: a case series pilot study.
Xiaoshan, W, Zhixi, L, Liang, L, Shuchun, L, Xia, W, Yuyi, W, Feng, L
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). 2014;(9):732-5
Abstract
UNLABELLED Abstract Objective: A case series is presented to investigate the efficacy and safety of Erhegao for patients with breast cancer who have radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation. METHODS Eighteen women with breast cancer who received radiotherapy and developed moist desquamation were enrolled. Erhegao cream, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula consisting of zinc oxide powder, calamine powder, and lithospermum oil, was applied on areas of moist desquamation. Application was repeated once a day until healing. The primary end point for efficacy was the time to healing of the moist desquamation areas. A numerical rating scale was used to measure wound pain relief daily. Incidence of toxicity was also assessed. RESULTS The average time to healing of the moist desquamation area was 13.56 days. The mean pain scores on the first, third, and seventh days were 5.22, 2.94, and 0.83, respectively. Eight-three percent of patients reported pain relief after the first 3 days, and 94%, after the first week. The mean daily reduction in the pain score was 0.40. None of the patients developed clinical infections or reported any toxicity. CONCLUSIONS This formula is effective and safe, especially for pain relief, and may be an alternative treatment for radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation in patients with breast cancer. Future randomized, controlled studies are needed to better evaluate the efficacy of Erhegao cream.