Exploring Honey for Eczema Management
Honey boasts a rich history for topical wound healing. Today, some seek similar benefits in using honey for eczema and alleviating associated inflammation, itching, cracking, and scaling. But does current research support the efficacy of eczema honey? This article reviews proposed mechanisms plus evidence on results.
How Honey Heals
Eczema, clinically known as atopic dermatitis, involves an overactive immune response and impaired skin barrier function. Applying honey may aid healing through antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.
Antimicrobial Effects
Many honeys generate hydrogen peroxide and bee defensin-1 to fight bacteria and fungi. Using medical grade honey avoids contaminants while providing these antimicrobial benefits to prevent eczema infection.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Honey also contains compounds like polyphenols, carotenoid derivatives, organic acids, and Maillard reaction products that reduce inflammation. This helps address the immune system over-activity driving eczema flares.
Moisture Balance Impacts
Thick, syrupy honey is highly hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. By pulling moisture into the skin, honey may hydrate the abnormal dryness of eczema to aid healing.
Reviewing the Research
Supportive Findings
Multiple studies reveal improved eczema symptoms when using medical grade honey products. Participants report improvements in severity scores, itching intensity, sleep loss, and more.
Concentration and Formulation
Clinical tests often use concentrated honey ointments containing 95% medical honey. Such specially formulated products likely offer superior results compared to pure raw honey.
Ongoing Questions
Despite promising indications, some dermatologists remain hesitant to universally recommend honey for eczema. More research on optimal concentrations, standardized formulations, potential side effects, and long-term impacts is still needed.
Considerations for Using Honey
Using Pure Raw Honey
While raw honey shows promise for addressing eczema inflammation and irritation, quality control is challenging...
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What types of honey can help with eczema?
Medical grade honey with regulated quality control offers the most reliable results. Lower quality raw honey raises contamination concerns on broken skin.
Does putting honey on eczema really help?
Yes, multiple studies demonstrate honey improving eczema symptom severity, itchiness, trouble sleeping, and other issues. Concentrated formulations seem most effective.
Can you put honey directly on open eczema wounds?
It's best not to place raw honey directly into open sores as bacteria contamination risks may outweigh benefits. Using sterile medical grade honey reduces infection concerns.
Does Manuka honey help eczema?
Early Manuka honey evidence seems promising. But more data is still needed on its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects specifically related to eczema issues.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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