Ghee and honey dressing for infected wounds

Abstract

Ghee and honey has been advocated and used as dressing for infected wounds by Sushruta (600BC) and since 1991 in four Mumbai Hospitals. The gratifying results observed with the dressing have prompted this study which aims to establish its efficacy in five recalcitrant subset of chronic infected wounds over a three year period 2006-2009. A standardized ghee and honey dressing was used to treat: a) Eight cases of fungating malignant lesions. b) Thirteen chronic venous ulcers. c) Twenty nine diabetic foot ulcers. d) Eleven of infected ventral hernia mesh hernioplasty. e) Eleven patient with post-cesarean wound dehiscence. The dressing markedly reduced the foul odour and discharge, significantly improving the quality of life in malignant lesions. The results were equivocal in cases of venous ulcers. The results were uniformly good in the last three groups. In view of our results, as also result of innumerable Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) reported on honey dressing for infected wounds, there is substantial evidence that ghee and honey dressing has at least comparable results to other modes of treatment. The easy availability and low cost of this treatment makes it significant in developing countries. Further trials seem warranted.

Keywords: Developing countries; Ghee and honey dressing; Infected wounds; Sushruta.

Fig. 1

Ghee and Honey dressing. Gauze size varies with size of infected wound

Fig. 2

a) Tiny islands of spontaneous epithelialisation coalesce to cover granulation, a phenomenon not previously reported. b) Histopathology of a small island

Fig. 3

Granulation tissue growing into mesh on floor of dehiscent wound. Prolene sutures were removed. (Courtesy Professor H.G. Doctor)

Fig. 4

Granulation has covered mesh and wound edges are coming closer together (Courtesy Professor H.G. Doctor)

Fig. 5

a) Progressive healing of wound (Courtesy Professor H.G. Doctor) b) Spontaneous approximation without secondary suturing. (Courtesy Professor H.G. Doctor)