Manuka Honey for Eczema

Manuka honey is a variety of honey from New Zealand that has been used for centuries by the Maori for its antiseptic properties. Many clinical studies have supported the effectiveness of both regular honey and manuka honey for healing wounds. One area that is less explored but promising is the use of manuka honey on eczema.

Manuka Honey

All honey has some antiseptic properties, but manuka honey has higher levels of a property called methylglyoxal. Methylglyoxal gives all honey its antibacterial properties, but the level of methylglyoxal in manuka honey is 1,000 times greater than most regular honeys. This quality is what makes manuka honey so effective in cleaning and sterilizing wounds.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that is characterized by large, red, flaky patches on the skin. The affected areas often itch or burn and cause discomfort to the person with the condition. Eczema is common in infants but usually clears up over time; however, adults can suffer from eczema as well. Eczema is difficult to treat because researchers aren't sure what causes it, and there is no cure. A variety of treatments are available for eczema, which work with varying degrees of success for different people.

Using Manuka Honey to Treat Eczema

Manuka honey's antiseptic properties can prevent the infection of open wounds caused by scratching the spots affected by eczema. In addition, one study conducted in 2004 showed that manuka honey reduced the appearance of the red, scaly spots caused by eczema. Like other treatments, manuka honey cannot cure eczema, but it may be effective in managing the symptoms. Although manuka honey is not a miracle cure for eczema, it may allow some patients to discontinue the use or cortisone and steroid creams, which are not supposed to be used for long periods of time.

Precautions

Use any honey treatment with caution on infants and small children. Improperly stored honey may contain botulism, which is a bacteria that can cause severe illness or death. Infants and smaller children may be tempted to lick the honey. In addition, infected honey might enter the bloodstream through any open wounds left by scratching. Always consult your physician before you begin any course of treatment, including using manuka honey to treat your eczema.

References

• "Journal of Applied Microbiology"; A Comparison of the Sensitivity of Wound-Infecting Species of Bacteria to the Antibacterial Activity of Manuka Honey and Other Honey; D.J. Willix, et al.; March 2008
• The University of Waikato Research Commons; Clinical Usage of Honey as a Wound Dressing; Peter Molan; 2004
• "Complementary Therapies in Medicine"; Topical Application of Natural Honey, Beeswax and Olive Oil Mixture for Atopic Dermatitis or Psoriasis"; Noori S. Al-Waili; December 2003
• "Complementary Therapies in Medicine"; Honey Mixture Improves Skin Conditions; Kimberley Beauchamp; 2003
• "The Honey Prescription"; Nathaniel Altman; 2010
• Medline Plus: Atopic Eczema