Honey is usually thought of a sweet treat, but it has been used in various home remedies for centuries to treat a variety of medical complaints. Though scientific evidence is lacking, some believe honey may help in the treatment of skin conditions like scarring and the inflammation that goes along with it. If you have scars you wish to treat, see a dermatologist before slathering on a layer of the gooey stuff.
Honey Through the Ages
Honey has been used throughout history in home remedies. According to the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine," even ancient Egyptians used honey for treating skin afflictions as far back as 2200 BC. It was also utilized by the Chinese, Greeks and Romans. With the rise of antibiotics in the 1940s, honey faded from the medical world, but it is still touted as a home remedy treatment option.
Scar Treatment
Scars develop on the skin when a wound heals improperly. The theory is that applying honey to a new wound can hasten healing, since it's high osmolality, or density, suppresses bacteria growth, according to the medical journal "Heart Views." However, this may be more beneficial in the prevention of scars, rather than the treatment of them.
Expert Insight
According to the magazine "Bee World," as quoted in "Heart Views," honey can encourage the healing process, protect against infections from the superbug MRSA and stimulate tissue regeneration. However, this is only effective if the wound is dressed with honey as it it heals. There is little to no evidence suggesting honey has any effect on healing scars after they have already formed.
Precautions and Treatments
Though it may be tempting to slather honey onto your skin to get rid of unsightly scars, it may not do you any good. Substances like honey are heavy on the skin and could clog the pores, causing skin irritation and acne. If severe, the acne could create new scars, according to AcneNet. If you have scars you want removed or lightened, see a dermatologist for a proper course of action.
References
- AcneNet; Acne Scars: Answers to Common Questions
- "Heart Views: The Official Journal of the Gulf Heart Association"; Honey From Folklore to Medical Marvel?; Rachel Hajar, MD; 2002
- "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine"; Honey: A Remedy Rediscovered; A. Zumla, et. al.; July 1989
- "National Geographic"; How Honey Curbs the MRSA Superbug; Ker Than; September 2009
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