Photoletter to the editor: Scarring alopecia resulting from pyoderma gangrenosum of the scalp

The use of honey in cochlear implant associated wounds in pediatric patients

INTRODUCTION

The use of honey in wound care is becoming more common due to the proven benefit in all three phases of wound healing, as well as the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. We present our experience using TheraHoney gel, a medical grade honey, for the successful treatment of cochlear implant associated skin breakdown.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the role of TheraHoney gel in the management of cutaneous infection and ulceration associated with cochlear implants.

METHODS

Three cases of wounds treated traditionally with antibiotics, plus the addition of TheraHoney, were retrospectively reviewed. The first patient had a superficial 1 × 1 cm ulcer, the second patient had bilateral ulcers: one superficial 1.5 × 1.5 cm ulcer and the other a 1.5 × 2 cm stage III pressure ulcer with an exposed receiver stimulator, and the third patient with a 3 × 3.5 cm stage III ulcer with an exposed receiver stimulator.

RESULTS

With the addition of TheraHoney gel, complete wound closure was achieved at all three patients without the need for surgical reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Cutaneous infection with or without skin breakdown is a common delayed complication after cochlear implantation. We demonstrate the efficacy of adding medical grade honey in promoting healing in infected scalp pressure ulcers overlying the cochlear implant site.

Topical Honey for Scalp Defects: An Alternative to Surgical Scalp Reconstruction

This case report discusses the use of medical-grade honey as solitary treatment for a large scalp defect due to surgical excision of necrotizing fasciitis. Honey promoted granulation and epithelialization over bare bone, which has been previously undocumented in the literature. We discuss the proposed mechanisms of honey as a wound-healing agent and the evidence for its use, and we propose that honey may be considered a therapeutic option for scalp wounds—especially in patients who are poor surgical candidates.