From the Guidelines
Medihoney hydrogel should not be used for the treatment of blisters, as the most recent and highest quality evidence recommends against the use of honey or bee-related products for wound healing in diabetes-related foot ulcers 1. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining a moist wound healing environment with basic wound dressings that absorb exudate, as recommended by the IWGDF Practical Guidelines 1. When it comes to blister care, gentle cleansing with an antimicrobial solution and the application of a nonadherent dressing may be necessary, as outlined in the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of pemphigus vulgaris 2017 1. Key considerations in blister management include:
- Gently cleansing the blister with an antimicrobial solution
- Avoiding rupture of the blister
- Applying a nonadherent dressing
- Monitoring for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or pus
- Consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment if the blister shows signs of infection or doesn't improve after 7-10 days of treatment. It's essential to prioritize evidence-based practices that promote wound healing and prevent infection, rather than relying on products like Medihoney hydrogel that are not supported by strong evidence 1.
From the Research
Medihoney Hydrogel Application
- The provided studies do not specifically mention the duration for leaving Medihoney hydrogel on a blister 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, a study on the use of Medihoney for chronic pressure ulcers found that after 1 week of treatment, all swabs were void of bacterial growth, and 90% of patients showed complete wound healing after 4 weeks 3.
- Another study reviewed the wound healing properties of honey, which is the main component of Medihoney, and found it to be effective in inhibiting bacterial growth and treating various types of wounds 5.
- The studies suggest that Medihoney can be an effective treatment for wounds, but the optimal duration of application may depend on the specific type and severity of the wound, as well as individual patient factors 3, 5.
Wound Care Considerations
- Debridement, or the removal of dead or unhealthy tissue, is an important component of wound care, and nurses should adopt an evidence-informed approach to care 2.
- A comprehensive, holistic approach to wound management should include considerations of inflammation and infection control, moisture management, and recognition of the need for debridement in healable wounds 2.
- The use of honey, such as Medihoney, as a wound treatment agent has gained clinical popularity due to its safety and effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth and promoting wound healing 5.