Yes, honey has antimicrobial properties. But should you use it to treat a diabetic foot ulcer? Here’s the thing. There are different honey types. And they vary greatly in their healing potential. As such, some types of honey could be effective adjunct ulcer treatments, so long as they’re used with the supervision of your podiatrist. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer? ![dripping honey from a comb]()
Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds. Ulcers occur in approximately
15% of patients with diabetes. The wounds typically develop on the bottom of your foot.
Ulcers are a significant health concern. If left untreated, they can lead to severe complications. Worse, they often develop unnoticed due to neuropathy, a condition that can dull your sense of pain and often accompanies diabetes.
But why do ulcers form? They result from the breakdown of skin and underlying tissues. When that happens, they can expose your foot’s inner layers, making
you susceptible to infection. In severe cases, the wound can reach the bone.
As such, their severity is classified by depth, the presence of infection, and the amount of tissue damage involved.
Typical Ways to Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Ulcer treatment usually involves cleaning and dressing the wound and managing your blood glucose levels. Sometimes, surgery is necessary. If you suspect a diabetic ulcer is forming, get medical attention right away. Early intervention can prevent serious complications. But can honey help speed up your healing process?
Can Honey Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Honey, especially Manuka honey, possesses strong anti-bacterial properties. This natural ingredient is rich in antioxidants and has an acidic pH, creating a hostile environment for bacteria. According to a Journal of Wound Care study, it has osmotic effects, which can help draw fluid out of your wound. And all of that can promote a faster healing process.
It can also help by releasing low-level hydrogen peroxides, a known disinfectant. This helps boost existing anti-microbial properties. But don’t just take our word for it. Studies prove that honey can help treat a diabetic ulcer. In fact, in one study wound size and bacterial levels were significantly reduced after applying honey to the ulcer dressings. Another study in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds showed that honey could reduce ulcer inflammation and promote tissue regeneration.
How Honey Works its Magic
How can a sweet sticky substance serve so many medical functions? It all comes down to the compound’s unique chemical composition. Honey is rich in glucose oxidase, a unique enzyme produced by bees. When it comes in contact with a wound, it breaks down to produce hydrogen peroxide, a potent anti-microbial agent. This reaction creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, preventing their growth and proliferation.
Moreover, honey has a low pH and high sugar content. This combination draws water out of cells via osmosis, dehydrating them and leading to their demise. Finally, honey contains polyphenols, potent antioxidants with antibacterial properties. These compounds can inhibit the activity of certain bacteria, including two that are commonly found in foot ulcers.
It’s clear that honey’s role of promoting wound healing is also due to its high viscosity. This allows the substance to form a protective barrier that prevents infection and locks in moisture, forming an ideal environment for healing. You see, a moist environment promotes granulation while helping epithelial cells migrate. Furthermore, honey has an acidic pH between 3.2 and 4.5, creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria and reducing infection risk. The acidity also helps release oxygen from hemoglobin, enhancing wound oxygenation to promote healing. Finally, the compound’s high sugar content draws out lymph fluid to dilute bacteria, keeping them from growing and multiplying. The sugar content also provides lots of energy for tissue regeneration.
Finally, honey has an anti-inflammatory property that reduces swelling and pain. And its anti-oxidant properties help scavenge harmful free radicals. In combination, all of honey’s properties promote wound healing in a uniquely effective way.
Choosing the Right Honey to Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
As it stands today, Manuka Honey has the most potential in the medical world. Originating from the nectar of the Manuka tree, found only in New Zealand and parts of Australia, it’s not your average honey. It’s set apart by higher concentrations of a compound called MGO, or methylglyoxal, that gives the honey its strong antimicrobial properties.
MGO is what’s measured when determining Manuka honey’s unique manuka factor—a higher score indicates a higher MGO concentration, along with more potent anti-microbial properties. Moreover, Manuka honey can also contain high levels of anti-oxidants to fight inflammation while promoting tissue regeneration.
Choosing the Right Treatment Options
Despite all its wound-fighting properties, honey is not always the right choice to treat a diabetic foot ulcer. There are always certain precautions and considerations to keep in mind. For instance, if you’re allergic to pollen or other bee-related substances, using honey on your ulcer could trigger an allergic reaction. As such, it’s important to test a small patch of skin before broadly applying honey to your body.
Also, if your ulcer is deep or draining heavily, honey may not be your best choice—as a topical treatment option, it may not penetrate deeply enough to be effective. Plus, with a draining wound, honey’s high sugar content could promote a moist environment that is counter-productive for healing.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t use honey to replace conventional treatments unless advised to do so by a healthcare provider. While honey has anti-microbial properties and can support wound healing, it’s not a one size fits all solution, and should not be used as a stand-alone treatment. Finally, you can only use medical-grade honey to ensure your product has no additional or harmful additives that will adversely affect wound healing.
Remember, regardless of the nature of your ulcer, seeking timely treatment is the best way to ensure complete healing. So, at the first sign of a diabetic foot concern, contact our office and request a consultation with Dr. Andrew Schneider right away. When you tell us you're worried about a foot ulcer, we will fit you into the schedule as soon as possible.
